Peter & Karl's Showdown!

The Stefanovic family is divided as the brothers compete for the same plum TV job in the US.

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The once famously close Stefanovic brothers were last week barely speaking after it emerged they are both desperately trying to resurrect their careers – by jockeying for the same job.

Both Peter, 37, and Karl, 44, are understood to be working the phones as they try to muster support to secure Nine’s coveted US bureau chief role.

“The boys used to speak every day and Pete used to rely on Karl for advice, but not anymore,” claimed one close family friend.

The new rivalry broke out last week after Nine’s veteran US bureau chief Robert Penfold announced he was stepping down from his role, reigniting tensions between the pair.

Karl was shocked when he learned that Peter has been in secret talks with long-time mentor and close friend Robert to secure the role that could salvage his career.

“Karl has waited for years for Rob to step down and he never, ever expected Pete to be one of the frontrunners for the job – there’s definitely a showdown coming,” says one Nine insider.