Why Mark Geyer HUNG UP on radio star Ben Fordham live on air after the footy great lost his job at Triple M

• e-mail

Mark Geyer is one of the toughest NRL players to ever lace up a boot, but it appears there is one subject that remains touchy for the former Penrith enforcer after he hung up on 2GB radio star Ben Fordham on Thursday.

Geyer is exploring new opportunities after he was dumped as co-host of Mick & MG in the Morning's breakfast show on Triple M last month.

Fellow host Mick Molloy has announced he is moving back to Melbourne and taking up a position with Triple M there, with the radio network opting for a new direction for the Sydney time slot.

Geyer joined his good friend Fordham on 2GB this week, and was asked the big questions about his sacking. 

The conversation started light, with Fordham pointing out that Geyer is now running free fitness sessions at Penrith's man-made beach. 

'They're called boot camps, but they are just an option to get some young people out on the sand at Pondi, as it is affectionally known,' he told Fordham.

Former NRL enforcer Mark Geyer hung up on 2GB's Ben Fordham over one simple question

Fordham was interviewing Geyer, a good friend of his, after the former Triple M radio host was axed from the breakfast timeslot

'There is a lot going on at the beach this year, mate, including the boot camps that I am running.'

Fordham applauded the development of the beach for people in Western Sydney.

'Benny, 215,000 locals flocked to it last year,' Geyer said.

'Penrith is always hot in the summer, it's the hottest place in the world. And in winter it's the coldest place.

'You've got to be a hardy soul to live in the west. I suppose that is one of the reasons why we [the Panthers] won four comps in a row.'

But the conversation soon got down to brass tacks, with Fordham raising MG's exit from Triple M.

'I don't know why, but they've decided to go in another direction,' Fordham said.

'Have they got rocks in their head down there at Triple M?'

Geyer was known as a hardman in his NRL playing days before becoming a popular part of the media in retirement

Geyer replied: 'It's their prerogative.

'This game we're in, this brekkie radio game is pretty cutthroat. Radio in general.

'My time was up and I wish the new crew all the best.

'It is a tough gig, I did it for 16 years and loved every second of it.

'Now I am into new ventures, mate.'

Fordham then asked Geyer if the news was painful, after investing so much of his life into the job.

'When something comes to an end that you've loved for so long, it's always a bit painful,' Geyer replied.

'That's the decision that the powers that be make.'

Fordham then had one final question for Geyer.

Geyer, pictured with former co-host Mick Molloy, is now pursuing new ventures including free fitness classes for Western Sydney residents

'If you can't answer this question, you can just hang up the phone and pretend that it cut out,' he said.

'Here's the question: Mark Geyer, is there a chance you will be at 2GB next year?'

Geyer followed the script and the line went dead.

'What happened to MG?' Fordham asked.

It remains unclear whether Geyer will pursue further radio opportunities at 2GB or elsewhere.

Ray Hadley has also announced he is departing 2GB after more than 42 years and during his chat with Fordham, Geyer paid tribute to the veteran radio host and NRL commentator.

'I first met Ray in about 1987 and I think he started his radio career around then at 2UE,' Geyer said.

'I remember when you played a game and you had a good game, one of the producers would walk over to you with the headphones and you would be like 's**t, I've got to talk to Ray Hadley.

'Nothing's changed over the years, mate. He's a fantastic bloke.

'He's a good family man, he's been there for me when I've needed him most, especially some family dramas I've had over the years.

'He's always been the first man that I've called.

'He's got that tough exterior but deep down he's a puppy dog, just like myself.'