Legendary rugby league commentator Ray Warren has called for time for a spectacular run of games.
The 78-year-old announced the news a week before the first State of Origin game in 2022.
He has called 99 games of Origin but will not call another. He also called up 45 major NRL finals, with last year’s decisive between Penrith and South Sydney his last event.
READ THE FULL RELEASE OF NINE ABOUT RAY WARREN HERE
“After talking to my family and calling the rugby league and other sports for 55 years, I have decided that my time in the comment box is over. I will miss calling, but I think it’s time to move on. forward with my 80th birthday just 12 months away, “Warren said.
“I want to thank everyone. All my co-workers on Channel 9, Channel 10, Radio 2GB and where I started on Radio 2LF in Young, who gave a young Junee the opportunity to turn their dreams into I hope my story brings some inspiration to the lives of other young children in the country.
“To the game, the NRL and the players, to give me the privilege of naming such a great product. And finally to the spectators, to allow me to share some time in your theaters since the early seventies.”
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Warren, originally from Junee in Riverina, NSW, began his radio career on Radio 2LF in Young, alongside legend Ken Sutcliffe in 1966.
He went on television in 1974 with Channel 10, then joined Nine in 1988.
Watch State of Origin live and free exclusively on Channel 9 and 9Now.
He convened the Rugby League World Cup that year, starting one of the game’s great races. He also convened three Melbourne Cups and a number of major swimming events, including the Olympics.
Warren was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2019 and has a bronze statue in his hometown of Junee.
In 2014 he received the Order of Australia (OAM) medal.
“Ray Warren has been the captain of our commentary team here on Channel 9 for over 30 years,” said Phil Gould.
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“He has been a leader, a mentor, a friend, a confidant for all of us. All of us who have had the privilege of working with this great partner are deeply indebted to him for his direction, attention and time. offered.
“The most important moments in our sport, the most important moments in the career of individual players, the greatest moments in the history of our clubs, have been captured through the eyes, the emotion and, of course, the voice. unmistakable that is Ray Warren.
“He will be remembered as the greatest of all time.”
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Paul Gallen echoed those thoughts.
“Growing up was a big part of why I loved the rugby league, and then having him call up my games and participate as a teammate was amazing and a great honor,” Gallen told Wide World of Sports.
The famous so-called “miracle” by Ray Warren
Like rugby league legend Darren Lockyer.
“As a player, you made us look better with your talent behind the microphone,” Lockyer told Wide World of Sports.
“The most outstanding rollers for so many players are lucky enough to have played in your time. Sir Donald Bradman from the comment box and a champion guy to accompany him.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Rabs game. There won’t be anyone else like you.”
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Nine CEO Mike Sneesby paid tribute to the legend.
“The great Ray Warren is synonymous with Nine and the rugby league for fans, players and most of all, everyone here at the Wide World of Sports,” Sneesby said.
“We are very happy that he continues to be an integral part of the team and we thank him for his five decades of calling live sport.
“We look forward to your ideas, memories and character on our next week’s broadcast for Origin I and beyond. It brought the game to life for generations of fans in its halls. You are the voice of the rugby league, Rabs. Thanks. “
New sporting director Brent Williams said; “From the Olympics to the Melbourne Cups, the best moments in the NRL and everything in between, Ray Warren has been the voice of sport for generations of Australians. His passion and enthusiasm for his profession is contagious and has a positive impact on those who are lucky enough to work alongside him.
“It simply elevates others and elevates emissions to higher levels. While the incredible commentary chapter of his career is coming to an end, we are thrilled that Rabs continues to play a full role in our Wide World of productions. Sports, including the upcoming State of Origin series “.
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