1995Warriorsfan
Player Agent
Contributor
Rabs Warren has finally hang up the microphone.
1995Warriorsfan
Player Agent
Contributor
I had nothing to prove’: Ray Warren announces his retirement
By Andrew Webster
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.
NSW Blues coach, Brad Fittler and NRL Immortal Andrew Johns celebrate some of Ray Warren's best calls after his induction into the NRL Hall of Fame.
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.
“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 five and half 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.”
By Andrew Webster
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.
NSW Blues coach, Brad Fittler and NRL Immortal Andrew Johns celebrate some of Ray Warren's best calls after his induction into the NRL Hall of Fame.
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.
“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 five and half 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.”
DavidMcKay1974
He was a great caller. Be sad to see him go. But that's father time for you. Still waiting on Grant Nisbett to retire. He's still going strong. He's almost 72.
gREVUS
Long live the Rainbows and Butterflies
Contributor
I used to love listening to him, but over the years as his errors added up, i preferred to listen to others. I began to hate having him and Gus in the box at the same time. I think he had an amazing career, but held on to long. I hope he has a great retirement.
AlexM
Theyre all trash , honestly tell me you love listening to mic Ennis shouting unintelligibly into the microphone?
Agree.. Mick Ennis is awful. Couldn’t Stop talking on the field, doesn’t know when to be quiet off it.
bruce
Contributor
Once A Warrior
bruce
Contributor
Well he doesn't have much competition.
I was disappointed when they dropped Channel Ten and we lost Graeme Hughes, but heyzeuss spare me compared with the current crop he is a rock star.
Once A Warrior
Oh i love Rabs! Just not the rest of the team. Man rabs was calling some of my all tile favorite warrior matches!
bruce
Contributor
I thought Gould and Peter Sterling were great with Rabs. They actually made it look easy.
matiunz
This year yet?
Contributor
Long past his best, however in his prime was the soundtrack of a golden age of league
drunk_monk
Contributor
The voice of state of O for me.
Ever highlight it's his voice in my head. Iconic man.
Ever highlight it's his voice in my head. Iconic man.
Evil_Mush
Five words : PUT THE BALL DOWN SON!
Iconic voice for a ton of iconic moments. Good job Ray.
Iconic voice for a ton of iconic moments. Good job Ray.
Once A Warrior
I can still picture Steve Price trying to calm all the troops! It ain't over till the fat lady sings!!!
Sup42
Made for test matches, he was the best calling Trans Tasman tests.
matiunz
This year yet?
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