Rugby league commentator David Morrow diagnosed with terminal brain cancer

Radio broadcast legend David Morrow will be missing from the 2GB Continuous Call team for an indefinite period as he battles brain cancer.

2GB Continuous Call commentator David Morrow (3 right).

Radio broadcast legend David Morrow, aged 71, is fighting brain cancer.

The popular 2GB and former ABC caller has been commentating on rugby league, racing and cricket for over 50 years having celebrated that milestone in 2021.

Morrow was diagnosed with brain cancer before Christmas and will be missing from the 2GB Continuous Call team for an indefinite period while he undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Nicknamed ‘Thirsty’ for his love of a beer and good time, Morrow has covered eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games during his career.

2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley, who hired Morrow from the ABC, spoke about his mate’s plight on air on Friday morning.

David Morrow (Top left) with his Continuous Call Team colleagues. Picture: 2GB

“David and the family decided they wanted me to break the news to not just our media colleagues but the millions of listeners David has connected with in a career that’s lasted more than 45 years,” Hadley said.

“Thirsty, as he’s widely 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’s a man of some substance.

“It goes without saying he’s Australia’s most versatile sports broadcaster.”

“About a month ago, David advised his mates on the Continuous Call Team and management of Nine Radio that he would be retiring from duties immediately.

“We were all shocked to find out after a couple of serious incidents during the off-season that David had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Morrow has retired from calling games.

Ray Hadley revealed the news on radio. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“He says hopefully radiation and chemo can give him time to take a holiday with (wife) Kris towards the end of the year.”

Morrow is a media Hall of Fame inductee at the Sydney Cricket ground alongside some of the biggest names in the Australian sporting media.

He started his media career in 1971 and has covered 44 seasons of rugby league.

The much-loved and admired Morrow has been described as “one of Australia’s most experienced and diversified radio and television sports commentators.”

He was awarded an OAM in 2005 for services to the community, sport and sports broadcasting.

Morrow covered his first Olympic Games in 1984 and his initial Commonwealth Games two years later.

Originally published as Rugby league commentator David Morrow diagnosed with terminal brain cancer