Legendary sports broadcaster David Morrow dies after cancer battle

Legendary sports broadcaster David ‘Thirsty’ Morrow has died after a battle with brain cancer, aged 71.

The much-loved figure stepped back from commentary duties earlier this year following his devastating diagnosis in December.

Last week, the NRL announced he would be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Colleague and close friend Ray Hadley paid an emotional tribute on 2GB radio.

“He passed away around midnight last night after a courageous battle with brain cancer,” he said.

“I wish I wasn’t telling people that my mate of more than 40 years standing has succumbed at the age of 71.

“He was a hell of a bloke. We’ve had some wonderful times together on football tours, going to country race meetings together ... and as part of the Continuous Call team in the later years, I didn’t do as much as I normally did, but whenever I did, it was like we never parted company.

“I’ve worked with a lot of people over a long period of time in broadcasting, I think there’s no more versatile sports commentator than David Morrow. Had he been able to go to the Olympics with me next Tuesday, I think in the 33 sports that we participate in, he would be able to call every single one of them.

“He could do all of the things that others couldn’t and he will be sadly missed by everyone.”

Hadley also thanked the other members of the NRL Hall of Fame committee for elevating him.

“It was vitally important that we achieved what we did last week and I thank Pater V’landys and the rest of the committee for doing that. That’s a great honour for David and his family,” he said.

“While David was not in a position to converse with me, he certainly was able to acknowledge in some way the fact that he had been elevated.”

The broadcasting legend has commentated various sports for over 50 years, mainly with ABC and 2BG, and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2005.

As well as being a leading caller for rugby league, racing and cricket, Morrow covered eight Olympics and six Commonwealth Games.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys said Morrow was a “champion in every sense of the word”.

“David has been one of the great voices of the game – recognised around the country for his wit, his insight and his knowledge,” 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.

“David’s life and contribution will be celebrated on August 21 at the Hall of Fame dinner. On behalf of the commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to David’s family, and all those who worked with him and knew him.”

More tributes quickly came pouring in for the legend.

“Terribly sad news. Had the privilege of working with David on Macquarie Sports Radio. He was incredibly generous, kind and a brilliant broadcaster. Thinking of his family and colleagues today,” 7NEWS Melbourne producer Matt Thompson said.

“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,” 2GB colleague Mathew Thompson said.

“And we lose another one people. So sad to hear of the passing of David Morrow. A brilliant broadcaster, great man, big friend of our little show here in NZ. Love & thoughts & prayers to all of you who were/are so close,” podcaster Martin Devlin said.