Overview
- McLaughlin said she was diagnosed in December and underwent surgery that removed roughly half a lung using robot-assisted techniques at North Shore Private Hospital.
- She delayed the operation to host the Boxing Day Test and the SCG Pink Test, ducking out for pathology checks between broadcasts before surgery the next day.
- Both McLaughlin and her late sister, Tara, were lifelong non-smokers, and her surgical team is exploring a possible genetic link after early tests returned inconclusive findings.
- Seven executives say she is recovering steadily with the network’s full support, with Matt White continuing to fill in on sports bulletins during her leave.
- 7NEWS will air a special segment titled “Her Call to Arms” on Thursday, and McLaughlin is aiming to return for major events later in 2026, including the Commonwealth Games and Rugby League World Cup.