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”.

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

-with AAP.