The iconic rugby league commentator Ray Warren has announced his retirement, ending a legendary broadcasting career of more than half a century.
Key points:
- After 55 years, Ray Warren has announced his retirement from sports commentary
- Warren became an icon of Australian sport thanks to his comments on the rugby league and swimming
- The 78-year-old will retire after calling up 99 home games
Affectionately known as “Rabs”, Warren became the voice of rugby league coverage for Nine Network, convening 99 of the 122 State of Origin games played since interstate clashes began in 1982.
In addition to his Origin calls, Warren commented on 45 major finals during his career.
The 78-year-old also called up swimming for three Olympics for nine, as well as three Melbourne Cups.
After rolling marbles down a hill in his hometown of Junee as a child, calling it a horse race, Warren began his 2LF broadcasting career at Young in 1966.
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Three years later, Warren was working at the Sydney 2GB station before starting his TV rugby league commentary career with Channel 10 for the Amco Cup matches on weekdays.
Established as the leading commentator on the Nine League during the 1990s, Warren’s lines during several original games became a legend, including his “this is not an attempt, this is a miracle.” Mark Coyne of Queensland scored a winning try for the game at the opening of the 1994 series in Sydney.
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Warren hadn’t commented on Nine since last year’s grand finale, but after weeks of talks with the network, he said he would leave work without regret.
“I had nothing to prove,” Warren told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“It was easy to get out of the comment box, but every time I came back I knew I was closer to being ridiculous.
“After calling up last year’s grand final between Penrith and Souths, I left with the feeling that I had done a good job. I knew that after that game it was my last.”
With confirmation of Warren’s retirement, Nine is expected to turn to Mathew Thompson to lead the call for next week’s Origin opening in Sydney.
AAP