CLIFFORD STEPS UP AS PEARCE STEPS BACK DUE TO INJURY

Mitchell Hughes started as a tape editor in Newcastle in 1999. He became a reporter in 2004, working in Lismore and on the Gold Coast. Since moving back to the Newcastle office in 2006, he's taken on various roles, such as producer and chief of staff. He became the head sport reporter in 2011 and the main sport presenter in 2015.