- Ray Hadley spoke about the call to his sick former colleague David Morrow
- Hadley said she tried to “stay calm” as best she could.
- Popular 71-year-old commentator battles brain cancer
Broadcaster Ray Hadley has spoken about the heartbreaking phone call he made to former colleague David Morrow about his induction into the NRL Hall of Fame.
Esteemed Australian sportscaster David Morrow, 71, is to be added to the coveted NRL Hall of Fame as he continues to battle brain cancer.
Morrow received the call from Hadley while he was in the hospital, with his wife Chris and commentator Mark Levy by his side.
“It was a very emotional moment. I tried to stay calm as best I could,” Hadley told her 2GB audience.
“Thirsty” was sleeping and then woke up. I explained to him and Chris, while he was awake, what had happened that day and he had been inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame.
“We had a conversation as best we could and I later learned from Mark that David and Chris shed tears.”
The popular 2GB broadcaster began his career more than 50 years ago, covering eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games.
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.
Ray Hadley has spoken about the emotional call to his friend and former colleague David Morrow
Renowned Australian sportscaster David Morrow is set to be fast-tracked into the NRL Hall of Fame as he continues to battle brain cancer.
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 has been unanimous around the induction of David Morrow,” ARL chairman Peter V’landys told News Corp.
‘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 just to our media colleagues, but to the millions of listeners David has connected with in a career that has spanned more than 45 years,” the former taxi driver said.
Morrow, 71, began his career more than 50 years ago and has covered eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games.
‘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 with immediate effect.
“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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