2GB, Nine Radio and the Australian sporting community is today mourning legendary sports broadcaster, David ‘Thirsty’ Morrow, who has passed away after a battle with brain cancer. He was 71. 

Morrow’s career spanned 52 years, covering almost every sport imaginable. He started out at the ABC calling cricket and rugby league, and had been a much-loved member of the 2GB team since 2015, covering nine NRL seasons. He stood down from commentary duties earlier this year, to focus on his health battles. 

Morrow covered eight Olympic Games, six Commonwealth Games, and an incredible 44 seasons of first grade NRL.

He was awarded an OAM in 2005 for services to the community, sport and sports broadcasting, and last year was honoured as the 28th inductee into the SCG Media Hall of Honour.

Just last week, it was announced that David Morrow will be inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame – a fitting tribute to his decades of service and dedication to the game. 

Announcing Morrow’s passing, close friend and colleague Ray Hadley said: “I’ve worked with a lot of people over a long time in broadcasting. There’s no more versatile commentator than David Morrow. Apart from being a magnificent commentator, he was a really, really good man. It will be with a sad heart that we all arrive in Brisbane this afternoon and confront State of Origin without our mate with us, but we’ll be dedicating the game tonight to his memory, which will live long because of the outstanding work he’s done over half a century.”

Nine Radio Managing Director, Tom Malone said: “Everyone that met David liked him, because he was passionate about what he did. He was an advocate for athletes and sports people. He loved what they did on the track, field, pitch or ground, and loved describing their achievements to the listeners. We’ve lost one of the greats today. Our staff and our listeners will miss him dearly.”

Luke Davis, 2GB Content Manager, said: “For more than five decades, David Morrow’s voice was the soundtrack of some of the greatest sporting moments Australia and the world has seen. His knowledge and passion for sport has burst through Australian radios each and every weekend – a familiar and iconic sound.”

“’Thirsty’ was a mentor to so many of the ‘next generation’ of sports broadcasters, and his influence will live on, through them, for many years to come.”

David Morrow is survived by his wife Kristine and daughters Emily and Lucy. 

The Continuous Call Team will pay tribute to David Morrow during tonight’s special coverage of the State of Origin Decider on 2GB and 4BC from 6.00pm AEST.