“THEY CHALLENGED HIM — AND CHANGED EVERYTHING”: Michael Atkinson Names the Two Today Stars Behind His Biggest Career Leap
A New Role, a Major Change — and Two People He Has Not Forgotten
Michael Atkinson is stepping into one of the most visible roles of his broadcasting career, but as he prepares to become Today’s new weekday sports presenter, he has made it clear that two familiar faces helped shape the broadcaster viewers are getting to know.
The 37-year-old has been appointed to replace Danika Mason after she confirmed she would not return to the breakfast program following maternity leave.
Yet in reflecting on his time at Weekend Today, Michael singled out co-hosts Alison Piotrowski and Lizzie Pearl for a reason that goes beyond simply working well together.
“Not only are Ali and Lizzie exceptional professionals, but they have also challenged me to be a better broadcaster, and we have become close friends,” he said in a statement announcing his new role.
It was a revealing glimpse into the relationships behind the breakfast show’s familiar on-screen chemistry — and a reminder that Michael’s rise has not been a solo effort.
The Two Colleagues Who Pushed Him to Improve
Michael described his roughly 10 months presenting Weekend Today as some of the most enjoyable of his career so far.
He also paid tribute to the wider production team, led by executive producer Michael Kersnovske, crediting them with creating an environment he valued.
“Hosting Weekend Today alongside Ali and Lizzie has been such a huge privilege,” he said.
His comments about Alison and Lizzie were particularly warm. Rather than portraying the transition to weekday television as a break from his former colleagues, Michael made a point of recognising how much he had learned from working alongside them.
Their professional challenge, he suggested, had helped him grow — while the friendship that developed made the experience all the more meaningful.
There is no indication that the trio were involved in any behind-the-scenes dispute. Instead, Michael’s words offered a positive account of the colleagues who helped prepare him for the next stage of his career.
Why This Appointment Marks a Major Turning Point
Michael’s move comes after he became a permanent part of the Weekend Today team earlier in 2026. He will now take over the weekday sports desk following Danika’s departure.
For the Queensland-born presenter, sport has been a constant throughout his life.
“Sport is in my veins,” he said, recalling a childhood spent playing rugby league, cricket and swimming in regional Queensland, followed by schoolboy participation in Australian rules football and tennis.
As an adult, he went on to work in rugby union and cover sports including netball and the Olympics as a journalist and presenter.
The new position will allow him to bring that broad sporting background to a weekday audience, while continuing his work with Nine’s Wide World of Sports and his rugby union hosting duties.
With two home World Cups scheduled for 2027, Michael said the coming year would be “epic” and that he could not wait to bring viewers the latest sports news.
Danika Mason’s Next Move — and Her Plans to Return to the NRL
Michael’s appointment follows Danika’s emotional announcement that she would not return to Today after maternity leave.
On October 16, Danika explained that balancing the early starts of breakfast television, her NRL commitments and the arrival of her first child had forced her to make a difficult decision.
“Something had to give,” she said, confirming she would step away from the program while continuing her career with Nine.
However, her departure from the breakfast desk does not mean she is walking away from sports reporting.
Speaking to Confidential at The Everest over the weekend, Danika revealed that she hoped to return to NRL coverage around three months after her baby girl is born.
“I don’t think I’ll go over to Vegas for obvious reasons. But I’ll be back for round one in Australia,” she said.
She also suggested her daughter could accompany her to some interstate games, with her mother already offering to help.
The plan gives a clearer picture of what Danika hopes her next chapter will look like: stepping away from the demanding breakfast schedule while maintaining a connection to the sport that has defined much of her career.
A Changing Today Team — With a New Face at the Sports Desk
The handover represents another change for Today, as Michael prepares to move from weekend television to the weekday program.
For Danika, the decision reflects the practical realities of balancing a growing family with a demanding broadcasting schedule. For Michael, it is an opportunity to take on a bigger role at a pivotal time for Australian sport.
And amid the changes, his tribute to Alison and Lizzie offers a more personal detail about the journey that brought him here.
The two colleagues he credits with challenging him to improve are also the people he says became close friends during his time on Weekend Today.
As he prepares for his new position, Michael is looking ahead to a huge year for Nine’s sports coverage — carrying with him the experience, relationships and lessons he says helped make this next step possible.