David Morrow has been described as one of Australia's greatest commentators as tributes pour in from across the rugby league and sporting world following the passing of the Hall of Fame inductee.
Morrow, who was last week told that he would be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at a special ceremony at the SCG on August 21, died after a battle with brain cancer. He was 71.
A veteran of more than 50 years calling sport, including rugby league, on radio and television, Morrow was regarded as one of the best commentators Australia has produced.
A magic try deserves a magic call
He worked for the ABC from 1980 to 2014, calling Saturday rugby league to a national audience on ABC television until 1996, and joined 2GB’s Continuous Call Team in 2015.
Friends, colleagues and other members of the rugby league family, including St George Illawarra, whom Morrow supported, and other NRL clubs paid tribute to him.
"What a sad day for Australia - possibly our greatest ever sports broadcaster has passed away. The great David Morrow. An honour to work with him and have him as my mate. RIP Davo. To Kris Emily and Lucy my condolences," said Daryl Brohman, who worked alongside him at 2GB.
Friend and 2GB colleague Ray Hadley, who broke the news to Morrow last week about his induction to the Hall of Fame, said he would be honoured during Wednesday night's Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium.
“It will be with a sad heart that we will arrive in Brisbane this afternoon and confront State of Origin without a mate with us,” Hadley said on 2GB.
“But we’ll be dedicating the game tonight to his memory, which will live long because of the outstanding work he’s done over half a century. David Morrow’s gone but he will never be forgotten.”
David Morrow in the Kangaroos sheds
Among Morrow's most famous calls was Mal Meninga's last minute try in the second Ashes Test in 1990 at Old Trafford which enabled the Kangaroos to level the series, which they went on to win.
"David has been one of the great voices of the game – recognised around the country for his wit, his insight and his knowledge,” ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said.
“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.
“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.
"On behalf of the Commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to David’s family, and all those who worked with him and knew him.”
Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss told how Morrow had influenced and helped his career.
"So sad to learn of the passing of David Morrow. Great broadcaster. On a personal note, I'll never forget what he did for me. I was a kid on work experience at the ABC in 1982.David showed me the ropes at the Harold Park trots & the shield cricket. I was hooked. Rest in peace mate," Voss wrote on social media.
Channel 9 commentator Mathew Thompson posted: "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".
Morrow covered eight Olympic Games, six Commonwealth Games as well as horse racing and cricket.
Iconic former ABC cricket commentator Jim Maxwell wrote: "Sad news ... one of the great callers of NRL, racing and athletics. Guaranteed to entertain and inform. Lunch will never be the same. Lots of Love to Kris, Emily and Lucy. RIP Thirsty".