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NRL world in mourning after devastating death of commentary legend David Morrow at 71

Ray Hadley revealed last week how he was on the brink of tears informing Morrow that he had gained entry into the NRL Hall of Fame.

adam lucius · sam goodwin
·4-min read

The rugby league world is mourning the death of legendary broadcaster David Morrow after his tragic death at 71. Morrow stepped back from his commentary duties with 2GB earlier this year after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Colleague Ray Hadley said on 2GB on Wednesday: “I’ve worked with a lot of people over a long time in broadcasting. There’s no more versatile sports commentator than David Morrow. He will be sadly missed by everyone.”

Hadley revealed last week how he almost broke down when informing Morrow of his entry into the NRL's Hall of Fame. Morrow will be inducted next month after receiving unanimous support from the HOF selection committee.

David Morrow with Mark Levy, Mark Riddell and Darryl Brohman.
David Morrow alongside 2GB colleagues Mark levy, Mark Riddell and Darryl Brohman. Image: Mark Levy/Twitter

The 71-year-old was in his hospital bed with wife Chris and 2GB's Mark Levy by his side when the phone call came through from Hadley. "It was a very emotional time. I tried to hold it together as best as I could," Hadley told his 2GB audience.

"'Thirsty’ was sleeping and then woke. I explained while he was awake to him and Chris what had happened that day and he had been elevated to the NRL Hall of Fame. We had a conversation as best we could, and I heard later from Mark that tears were shed by David and by Chris."

Morrow spent 50 years calling a range of sports and major events, including rugby league, cricket and the Olympic Games. He announced his retirement late last year after news of his illness went public.

Morrow spent most of his career at the ABC, moving to 2GB in 2015 and enjoying great popularity and success as a member of the Continuous Call Team. He received an OAM for services to sport, sports broadcasting and the community in 2005.

Channel 9 commentator Mat Thompson wrote on social media on Wednesday: "David Morrow OAM. 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."

The Hall of Fame committee decided last week to induct 11 male players, six female players, two referees and four contributors. They will be officially revealed at a ceremony on August 21, which will include the naming of the 14th Immortal.

But Hadley was given special permission to tell Morrow of his induction ahead of time. "We’ve been to various Olympics together and been in opposing broadcast boxes for nearly three decades. More recently he joined the Continuous Call Team," Hadley said. "The feeling in the (hospital) room was one of sorrow, but joy that David was to be acknowledged. He is a really good bloke."

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys laughs as he speaks to the media during a NRL media opportunity at Rugby League Central on August 10, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
NRL boss Peter V'landys is delighted at David Morrow's recognition, stating he is "a legendary contributor to the game over many decades". Image: Getty

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NRL boss Peter V'landys said last week he was delighted at the recognition afforded the media veteran. He said: "I’m so pleased that the group were unanimous around the induction of David Morrow.

"David is a legendary contributor to the game over many decades and has provided colourful and insightful coverage of the game in his own unique style. He has a health battle on his hands and the committee were steadfast in their view that ‘Thirsty’ should be afforded this recognition as soon as possible."