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‘One of the great voices of the game’: rugby league commentator David Morrow dies aged 71
Respected rugby league caller and member of the NRL hall of fame, David Morrow, has died from brain cancer at the age of 71.
Morrow was the sound of ABC coverage of rugby league for more than three decades, and was the voice of Saturday football on television until 1996. He joined radio station 2GB in 2015.
Australia Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys said Morrow “has been one of the great voices of the game” and was recognised “for his wit, his insight and his knowledge”.
Vale David Morrow.
A meeting of the hall of fame committee agreed to induct the man known as “Thirsty” only last week. His accelerated elevation was due to his health, and was advocated by V’landys.
“I had the pleasure of knowing David throughout my career in sport and he was a champion in every sense of the word,” V’landys said. “I have been honoured and privileged to know him as a friend.
“In his final days, David knew how cherished he was in the rugby league community, having been informed of his induction into the hall of fame. While it is terrible that we have lost David, it is comforting to know that he and his family were aware what the game felt about his achievements.”
The rugby league community expressed their sadness on social media.
Channel Nine’s lead caller Matthew Thompson posted on X: “The world has lost a loving, caring, loyal and brilliant man. An irreplaceable hole. A man close to my heart. I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore. You’ll never be forgotten mate. Heaven has just welcomed one heck of a broadcaster.”
ABC broadcaster Quentin Hull said: “Doesn’t seem real that you are no longer with us. We’ve lost a brilliant human.”
Wide World of Sports commentator Mark Levy called Morrow “a mate, a mentor, a super bloke”.
“I am absolutely devastated to lose someone who has become like a father figure to me,” Levy posted on X. “Davey, thank you for everything you’ve taught me and thank you for the excitement you’ve given listeners over the last five decades.”
Top of Form
The Raiders would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of legendary Rugby League commentator David Morrow.
2GB co-host Ray Hadley informed Morrow – who also commentated eight Olympic and six Commonwealth Games – of his place in the hall of fame last week while he was in hospital.
“There’s no more versatile sports commentator than David Morrow,” Hadley said. “He will be sadly missed by everyone.”
Morrow was awarded an OAM for services to sport, sports broadcasting and the community in 2005.
His life will be celebrated at the NRL hall of fame dinner on 21 August. Eleven male players, six female player, two coaches, two referees and three other members of the rugby league community are expected to be inducted alongside a 14th Immortal, the first to be recognised with the sport’s highest honour since 2018.
THE GUARDIAN
Respected rugby league caller and member of the NRL hall of fame, David Morrow, has died from brain cancer at the age of 71.
Morrow was the sound of ABC coverage of rugby league for more than three decades, and was the voice of Saturday football on television until 1996. He joined radio station 2GB in 2015.
Australia Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys said Morrow “has been one of the great voices of the game” and was recognised “for his wit, his insight and his knowledge”.
Vale David Morrow.
A meeting of the hall of fame committee agreed to induct the man known as “Thirsty” only last week. His accelerated elevation was due to his health, and was advocated by V’landys.
“I had the pleasure of knowing David throughout my career in sport and he was a champion in every sense of the word,” V’landys said. “I have been honoured and privileged to know him as a friend.
“In his final days, David knew how cherished he was in the rugby league community, having been informed of his induction into the hall of fame. While it is terrible that we have lost David, it is comforting to know that he and his family were aware what the game felt about his achievements.”
The rugby league community expressed their sadness on social media.
Channel Nine’s lead caller Matthew Thompson posted on X: “The world has lost a loving, caring, loyal and brilliant man. An irreplaceable hole. A man close to my heart. I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore. You’ll never be forgotten mate. Heaven has just welcomed one heck of a broadcaster.”
ABC broadcaster Quentin Hull said: “Doesn’t seem real that you are no longer with us. We’ve lost a brilliant human.”
Wide World of Sports commentator Mark Levy called Morrow “a mate, a mentor, a super bloke”.
“I am absolutely devastated to lose someone who has become like a father figure to me,” Levy posted on X. “Davey, thank you for everything you’ve taught me and thank you for the excitement you’ve given listeners over the last five decades.”
Top of Form
The Raiders would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of legendary Rugby League commentator David Morrow.
2GB co-host Ray Hadley informed Morrow – who also commentated eight Olympic and six Commonwealth Games – of his place in the hall of fame last week while he was in hospital.
“There’s no more versatile sports commentator than David Morrow,” Hadley said. “He will be sadly missed by everyone.”
Morrow was awarded an OAM for services to sport, sports broadcasting and the community in 2005.
His life will be celebrated at the NRL hall of fame dinner on 21 August. Eleven male players, six female player, two coaches, two referees and three other members of the rugby league community are expected to be inducted alongside a 14th Immortal, the first to be recognised with the sport’s highest honour since 2018.
THE GUARDIAN
