Renowned radio sports commentator David Morrow has died months after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 71.
Morrow, who was affectionately nicknamed “Thirsty”, had called rugby league, cricket and other sports for more than 50 years before his retirement in February following his diagnosis.
“Apart from being a magnificent commentator he was a really, really good man,” colleague and friend of more than 40 years Ray Hadley told 2GB radio this afternoon.
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An OAM recipient in 2005, he had been inducted into the Sydney Cricket Ground Media Hall of Honour last year, and only last week it was announced he would be added to the Rugby League Hall of Fame next month, a move Hadley said was “vitally important”.
“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,” Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said.
“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.”
Morrow’s career spanned 52 years, including 44 years covering first-grade rugby league, eight Olympic Games, and six Commonwealth Games.
After a long stint at the ABC that ran from 1980 to 2014, he joined 2GB in 2015.
“He fitted in like no one else could possibly fit in,” Hadley said.
The veteran broadcaster said he had never come across someone as adept at covering multiple sports as Morrow.
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“I’ve worked with a lot of people over a long period of time in broadcasting,” Hadley said.
“I think… there’s no more versatile sports commentator than David Morrow.
“Had he been able to go to the Olympics with me next Tuesday, there are 33 sports we participate in, he would have called just about every one of them.
“He was at home calling, of course, the rugby. An outstanding cricket commentator… but he could do track and field, he could do swimming, he could do all of the things other people couldn’t do.
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“He will be sadly missed by everyone.”
2GB’s broadcast of tonight’s State of Origin decider will be dedicated to Morrow.
“It will be with a sad heart that we will arrive in Brisbane this afternoon and confront State of Origin without a mate with us,” Hadley said.
“But we’ll be dedicating the game tonight to his memory, which will live long because of the outstanding work he’s done over half a century.
“David Morrow’s gone but will never be forgotten.”
V’landys also paid tribute to Morrow.
“David has been one of the great voices of the game – recognised around the country for his wit, his insight and his knowledge,” he said.
“I had the pleasure of knowing David throughout my career in sport and he was a champion in every sense of the word. I have been honoured and privileged to know him as a friend…
“David’s life and contribution will be celebrated on August 21 at the Hall of Fame dinner.
“On behalf of the Commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to David’s family, and all those who worked with him and knew him.”
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