- David Morrow, 71, died around midnight Tuesday.
- He was recently honoured by the NRL Hall of Fame.
- Colleague Ray Hadley broke the news on Wednesday
The football world is mourning esteemed commentator David Morrow following his death aged 71 following a battle with brain cancer.
His former colleague, radio host Ray Hadley, broke the sad news on his 2GB show on Wednesday.
“I’ve worked with a lot of people for a long time in the broadcasting world. There’s no more versatile sportscaster than David Morrow,” Hadley said.
‘He will be missed by all.’
Morrow was honoured with induction into the NRL Hall of Fame last week.
He received the good news about Hadley in a phone call while he was in the hospital, with his wife Chris and commentator Mark Levy by his side.
She had stepped away from the microphone earlier this year after learning of the heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.
Nicknamed ‘Thirsty’ because of his love of beer, Morrow, who also worked at the ABC for many years, has reported with distinction on rugby league, racing and cricket.
The death of David Morrow at the age of 71 has plunged the world of football into mourning
Nicknamed ‘Thirsty’, Morrow (pictured left with fellow 2GB player and former NRL star Mark Riddell) has been remembered as one of Australia’s greatest sports broadcasters.
In 2005, Morrow was awarded an OAM in 2005 for services to the community, sport and sports broadcasting.
“I’m very pleased that the group was unanimous in inducting David Morrow,” ARL President Peter V’landys said of the broadcaster’s admission to the Hall of Fame.
‘David is a legendary contributor to the game for many decades and has provided colorful and insightful coverage of the game in his own unique style.’
In February, her close friend Hadley confirmed Morrow’s struggles with cancer.
“David and his family decided they wanted me to break the news not only to our media colleagues, but to the millions of listeners David has connected with in a career that has spanned more than 45 years,” Hadley said.
‘Thirsty, as is widely known, is a man of some wealth.
Needless to say, he is Australia’s most versatile sportscaster.
‘David recently informed his fellow call-in team members and Nine Radio management that he would be stepping down from his duties immediately.
“We were all shocked when we learned, after a couple of serious incidents during the offseason, that David had been diagnosed with brain cancer.”
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