Rugby league community pay tribute to ‘one of a kind’ commentator David Morrow

Only a week after being told he would be inducted into the NRL’s Hall of Fame, veteran broadcaster David Morrow has sadly passed away at the age of 71.

On Monday, July 15, the rugby league community lost one of its most recognisable voices, as Morrow succumbed to his battle with brain cancer

Morrow was best known for his impressive 34 years as a radio and TV commentator with the ABC, during his time with the network he served as the chief rugby league commentator from 1985 to 2014.

In 2015 he made the move to 2GB, where he was a play-by-play commentator until his brain cancer diagnosis in February. Morrow also called at eight Olympics and was part of the ABC’s cricket coverage.

Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) Chairman Peter V’landys AM was among the first to pay tribute to Morrow who he described as “one of the great voices of the game”.

“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,” V’landy’s said.

“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.

“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.”

Tributes from fans and the rugby league community quickly poured in, with one fan describing Morrow’s passing as a “sad day for Australia”.

Vale David Morrow. pic.twitter.com/SbjSxgaidV

— NRL (@NRL) July 17, 2024

Sad news today with the passing of my great friend David Morrow. Larger than life and a truly great broadcaster.David was a mentor to me.
I drove to Sydney yesterday and had 2 hours with him in palliative care.
I will be eternally grateful that I made that trip. #Thirsty 🍻 pic.twitter.com/tnaDpDKJnA

— Craig Hamilton (@Hammo46) July 17, 2024

What a sad day for Australia…..Possibly our greatest ever Sports Broadcaster has passed away! The great David Morrow. An honour to work with him and have him as my mate. RIP Davo. To Kris Emily and Lucy my condolences.

— Darryl Brohman OAM (@therealbigmarn) July 17, 2024

The Raiders would like to pass on their condolences to the family and friends of legendary Rugby League commentator David Morrow.

Here’s one of “Thirsty’s” famous calls involving club legends Stuart and Meninga at the end of the Second test of the 1990 Kangaroo tour.

RIP💚 pic.twitter.com/KJQVjOdExF

— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) July 17, 2024

Cheers. To Thirsty. One of a kind. Vale David Morrow. Sad times. pic.twitter.com/iRWBCiTvjN

— Peter Wilkins (@WilkoSport) July 17, 2024

Incredibly sad to learn of the passing of one of Australia’s greatest ever sports broadcasters David Morrow…. Thirsty always had a million stories to tell and was a broadcaster and person to be admired and loved … RIP Thirsty … the footy isn’t the same without you

— Andrew Moore (@GibsMoore) July 17, 2024

Vale David Morrow.

One of my first gigs at the ABC was to take the radio mic away from him & Drew Morphett when not on-air at the races. The fun we would have. What passion & ability to nail the moment. We’ll have one in your honour Thirsty pic.twitter.com/jgVJvU2miC

— Matt Clinch (@MattClinch) July 17, 2024

Morrow is survived by his wife Kristine and daughters Emily and Lucy.

-with AAP.