Radio legend David Morrow – from 2GB’s Continuous Call and ABC Sport teams – is diagnosed with brain cancer

Radio legend and one of Australia’s most respected sports broadcasters David Morrow has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

An emotional Ray Hadley announced on air Friday morning that the 71-year-old had “immediately retired” after the diagnosis and was receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The former ABC rugby league commentator, who works for Radio 2GB, has been talking about leagues, racing and cricket for more than 50 years.

Hadley said Morrow, nicknamed ‘Thirsty’ for his love of beer, was diagnosed with brain cancer before Christmas.

Morrow has covered eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games during his career, and has been a jovial and informed addition to commercial radio since leaving ABC.

Hadley, who hired Morrow from ABC to work on 2GB’s rolling team, said on air: “David and the family decided they wanted him to break the news not only to our media colleagues but also to the millions of listeners that David had connected with in a career that has spanned more than 45 years.

‘Thirsty, as he is known, has started radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

‘I just want to share with everyone how much and why I love this fellow broadcaster so much.

He is a man of some substance.

‘Needless to say, he is Australia’s most versatile sports broadcaster.

‘About a month ago, David informed his Continuous Call Team colleagues and Nine Radio management that he would be stepping down from his duties immediately.

“We were all shocked to learn, after a couple of serious incidents during the offseason, that David had been diagnosed with brain cancer.”