of Rugby League World We are mourning the tragic death of legendary announcer David Morrow at the age of 71. Morrow stepped down from commentary duties. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, which took up 2GB of space.
Colleague Ray Hadlee told 2GB on Wednesday: “I’ve worked with a lot of people over the years in broadcasting and there’s no sports commentator more versatile than David Morrow. He will be greatly missed by all.”
Hadlee revealed he nearly broke down in tears last week when he told Morrow he would be inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame, where he will be inducted next month with the unanimous support of the Hall of Fame selection committee.
The 71-year-old Hadley was in his hospital bed, attended by his wife Chris and 2GB’s Mark Levy, when the phone call came in. “I was very emotional. I tried to stay as calm as possible,” Hadley told 2GB viewers.
“‘Thirsty’ was asleep and then woke up and while he was awake I explained to him and Chris the events of the day and that he’d been inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame. We chatted as best we could and I later heard from Mark that both David and Chris were in tears.”
David Morrow is Australia’s most versatile sports commentator.
Working with, learning from, and marveling at the capabilities of this incredible man is something I will treasure forever.
Please send your thoughts to Davie as he battles his health challenges.
I love you all, Thirsty!!! pic.twitter.com/DF1R8AitZr
— Mark Levy (@marklevy2gb) February 8, 2024
Morrow has been commentating on a range of sports and major events, including rugby league, cricket and the Olympics, for five decades, before announcing his retirement late last year after his illness became public.
Mr Morrow spent the majority of his career with the ABC before moving to 2GB in 2015 where he was a hugely popular and successful member of the continuity call team. In 2005 he was awarded an OAM in recognition of his services to sport, sports broadcasting and the community.
Channel 9 commentator Matt Thompson posted on social media on Wednesday: “David Morrow OAM. The world has lost a loving, caring, loyal and intelligent person. An irreplaceable hole. Meant to me. I’m glad he is no longer suffering. You will never be forgotten. Heaven has received a wonderful announcer.”
David Morrow OAM. The world has lost a loving, caring, sincere and intelligent man. An irreplaceable hole. A man close to my heart. I am glad he is no longer suffering. You will never be forgotten. Heaven has received a wonderful announcer. 💔 #RIP
— Matthew Thompson (@MathewJThompson) July 17, 2024
Rugby league is in mourning, days after being inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.
We have lost one of the greatest commentators in the history of our sport, David Morrow.
In tribute, here is the best call on one of the greatest test tries in the history of the sport. pic.twitter.com/CbbDDo3W7w
— League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) July 17, 2024
May David Morrow rest in peace. You were a giant in the media world and we will miss you so much.
— Ian Earnshaw (@therealian89) July 17, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Morrow.
—Michael Byrnes (@MichaelByrnes) July 17, 2024
May the soul of David Morrow, one of the greatest broadcasters of all time and one of my idols as an announcer, rest in peace. This is a very sad day.
— Brent Ford (@BrentFord26) July 17, 2024
Peter V’landys praises decision to honour David Morrow
The Hall of Fame committee voted last week to induct 11 male players, six female players, two umpires and four contributors. The inductees will be formally announced at a ceremony on August 21, which will also include naming the 14th Immortal Player.
But Hadley was given special permission to tell Morrow about his induction in advance. “We’ve been to many Olympics together for almost 30 years, and I was in the opponent’s box. He recently joined the streak calling team,” Hadley said. “There was sadness in the room, but joy that David was being recognized. He’s a really good guy.”
Related:
NRL boss Peter V’landys Last week, he said he was pleased the media industry veteran was being honored. He said he was “very pleased that the group unanimously decided to induct David Morrow into the Hall of Fame.”
“David is a legendary figure who has contributed to the world of football for decades, providing colourful and insightful coverage of the game in his own unique style. He has been battling health issues and the committee has remained adamant that ‘Thirsty’ should be given this accolade as soon as possible.”