Mark Levy takes the reins at 2GB - now what’s next for the Continuous Call Team?

NRL radio caller Mark Levy promotion cements his position as a rising star in Sydney radio. But the attention now moves to who will take his key sports role.

Congratulations to Mark Levy on his appointment as the new host of the 2GB morning show, replacing the legendary Ray Hadley in 2025. Levy’s promotion cements his position as a rising star in Australian broadcasting.

But buried within today’s announcement is another significant development - Mark Levy is poised to inherit Ray Hadley’s mantle as the voice of the radio network’s State of Origin and prized NRL grand final rugby league coverage.

Hadley’s remarkable record of calling 99 State of Origin matches and 35 rugby league grand finals is a testament to his dominance in the sports role, and Levy, who is already a seasoned commentator, seems set to continue that legacy for decades to come.

New morning show host Mark Levy. Picture: Richard Dobson

Ray Hadley announcing his retirement on air. Picture: Rohan Kelly.

Old faces.... Darryl Brohman, Steve Roach, Ray Hadley and the late Bob Fulton from 2GB’s Continuous Call Team.

However, this raises an important question: Who will fill the void that Levy leaves behind once a week on 2GB’s Continuous Call Team?

David Riccio reported today that Mark Levy will juggle his new morning show duties with calling NRL matches on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons during the NRL season. This dual role highlights Levy’s versatility, but it leaves Sunday afternoon’s Continuous Call Team without its established leader.

So, who could step up? 2GB has several options, but the answer may come from an unexpected corner.

THE CONTENDERS

A potential “smoky” is former NRL star and State of Origin player Jamie Soward. Soward has spent several years expressing his ambitions of becoming a lead rugby league radio caller - much like Sterlo did when he was at Channel Nine - and based on the live-to-air audition that Soward performed on 2GB when the Wests Tigers played the Rabbitohs in August he could be a serious option. Plus, unlike other head callers, ‘Sowie’ can throw to himself for the football analysis after calling each try.

Jamie Soward.

Peter Psaltis.

Chris Warren calling for 2GB. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Other candidates could come from the wider Nine Entertainment family. Multi-talented sports callers Matt Thompson, Peter Psaltis, Brenton Speed and Chris Warren are all well-regarded and have proven track records in rugby league broadcasting for Nine.

But the Sunday afternoon version of the Continuous Call Team requires Levy’s replacement to not only call the footy, but also anchor the pre-match and post-match coverage with the panel which sometimes includes Darryl Brohman, Mark Riddell, Paul Gallen, Josh Morris and Soward. Thompson has form when it comes to anchoring sports programmes for 2GB.

Joel Caine pictured with Bryan Fletcher. Picture: Jonathan Ng

FAMILIAR FACES AND ESTABLISHED TALENT

Alternatively, 2GB could look to Anthony Maroon, a seasoned broadcaster who has been reportedly approached by the station before but remains loyal to Triple M. Joel Caine, once a part of the Continuous Call Team and now with SEN, is another experienced option. However, coaxing him back could be a challenge.

Matt Thompson would be perfect but has TV commitments.

Former 4BC radio host Neil Breen. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

THE BIG DECISION

Levy’s ascension signals the beginning of a new era for 2GB, and based on the radio station’s thought process in replacing Hadley on his morning show, management might also pick an in-house replacement for the Sunday Continuous Call Team. Thompson would be good, but it looks like journalist and former Brisbane radio announcer Neil Breen could be the anchor you’ll be hearing at middays.