Voice of rugby league Ray Warren to appear on Fox Sports’ Matty Johns Show Origin special
NRL networks Fox Sports and Channel 9 have called a ceasefire in their billion-dollar TV ratings war to allow voice of rugby league Ray Warren to appear on the Matty Johns show this weekend.
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NRL networks Fox Sports and Channel 9 have called a ceasefire in their billion-dollar TV ratings war to allow voice of rugby league Ray Warren to appear on the Matty Johns show this weekend.
The Channel 9 stalwart, who will call his 90th State of Origin game this year, is “on loan” to Fox Sports on Sunday Night With Matty Johns to discuss his career highlights and pump up the series opener at the MCG next Wednesday night.
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Fox Sports’ Head of Television Steve Crawley phoned his Channel 9 counterpart Tom Malone on Monday to seek permission for a one-off appearance for the legendary commentator who is rugby league’s version of Richie Benaud.
“I’m absolutely stoked,” Crawley told The Daily Telegraph.
“Rabs will call his 90th Origin game this year and to have him on with Matty for the night is really special for the game.”
Malone says Nine is keen to promote the series and their exclusive TV coverage to a wider audience.
State of Origin matches are traditionally the three highest TV ratings programs of the year with an audience of close to four million.
With the excitement building around 11 NSW Blues debutants, this year’s series could even break the record audience.
The 74-year-old Warren could be calling his last series this year.
“Rabs is a huge figure in the game and if it promotes Origin, which it will, it’s a great result for all stakeholders,” Malone said, “There’s no bigger voice on Channel 9.”
Matty Johns told The Daily Telegraph he was honoured to have his old Channel 9 stablemate as a guest.
“Mate, it’s fantastic,” Johns said, “When I played you used to pinch yourself hearing him call your name. It was such a huge thrill.
“We’ll talk to him about his favourite calls and best Origin moments. I can’t wait to do the interview.”
Fox Sports will also feature Queensland Maroons legend and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga to talk about his most memorable Origin games.