‘I had nothing to prove’: Ray Warren announces he won’t commentate Origin

Legendary commentator Ray Warren has called his last game of rugby league.

The 78-year-old confirmed on Wednesday afternoon he was hanging up the binoculars, ending months of speculation about his future.

It means he won’t reach 100 Origin matches, stranded on 99 after calling last year’s series, won by NSW, but as he says, “I had nothing to prove”.

And he didn’t.

Ray Warren calling a game from the sidelineCredit:

“After calling rugby league and other sports for 55 years including 99 Origins, I have decided my time in the commentary box is over,” Warren said.

“Obviously it’s a sad time however I will still be employed by Nine doing whatever is required of me.“

Having established himself as one of Australia’s greatest broadcasters, Warren was mindful of trashing his legacy with a mistake in the final years of his career.

After weeks of discussions with Nine sports boss Brent Williams, Warren decided about a week ago to call it a day but Nine — publisher of this masthead — didn’t announce it until late on Wednesday.

“It’s been easy leaving the commentary box, but each time I came back I knew I was getting closer to making a fool of myself,” Warren told the Herald. “After I called last year’s grand final between Penrith and Souths, I walked out feeling like I’d done a good job. I knew after that game it was my last.”

“I have not called since that night purely to get a feel of life after commentary and to deal with a couple of personal health problems. Naturally, after 5 ½ decades, I will miss calling immensely, but I think it’s time to move on.

“I really want to thank everybody so much. All my workmates. Channel Nine, Channel Ten, Radio 2GB and Radio 2LF at Young, who each gave a youngster from Junee a chance to turn his dreams, into reality. Hopefully the story will carry some inspiration into the lives of other young kids from the country.

“My family has been amazing during both the ups and the downs. My wife Cher has been a rock. The game, the NRL and the players, for giving me the privilege of calling such a great product and finally the viewers, for allowing me to share a little time in your living rooms or wherever since the early 70s.”

Warren’s retirement means Mat Thompson is expected to call Origin I.

Warren called 99 Origins, 45 grand finals, three Melbourne Cups and many years of Australia’s premier swimmers over three Olympics campaigns.

News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.