League commentator allegedly uses mock Indigenous voice

A Toowoomba Rugby League commentator is at the centre of alleged racism complaint after using a ‘mock Indigenous’ voice during a match call. Here’s what we know, including the audio from the game.

A rugby league fan said he was left shocked when he was listening to the live commentary of the match between Pittsworth Danes and Dalby Diehards and heard a “mock Indigenous voice” used.

The fan, who asked for his name to be withheld, alleges Andrew O’Brien, who was part of the call team for TRL’s Match of the Day on June 30, used a “mock Indigenous voice” during the live call.

During the live call O’Brien can be heard saying “I’m all right brus you play the ball” before fellow commentator Anthony Breeze asks “Is that how he talks? He’s a white fella”.

O’Brien then replies, “No that is just how I talk”.

Investigations by this masthead found the original audio has been muted during the corresponding section of video of the match posted to the TRL Facebook page, however it remains online.

“I had hoped the message had got through to everyone after the last time but clearly it hasn’t,” the fan said in reference to an August 6, 2022 incident in which a TRL fan was caught on video telling a player to “shut up you b---- c---”.

“Society just does not accept this type of thing.

“Everyone needs to be treated fairly and equally.

“We can’t turn a blind eye to this type of stuff.

“I hope it’s dealt with swiftly and harshly.

“I’m going directly to the QRL.”

Toowoomba Rugby League were approached but declined to comment on the matter.

This masthead understands O’Brien is now in contact with TRL board of directors but at this stage has declined to comment after being contacted.

The league fan said he has formally made a complaint to Queensland Rugby League.