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Ray Warren
Ray Warren
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Raymond Warren OAM (born 11 June 1943) is an Australian retired sports commentator, known for his coverage of televised professional rugby league matches on the Nine Network. He is known as the "Voice of Rugby League", and called 99 State of Origin games as well as 45 NRL Grand Finals. Warren also used to call Australian swimming team events and the FINA World Championships until Nine lost the rights to these events in 2008 and in 2012 participated in Nine's coverage of the London Olympics.

Key Information

Career

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Born in Junee, New South Wales on 11 June 1943 of English descent,[2] Warren initially followed in the footsteps of his brother by joining the police force. He joined the NSW Police Cadets on 5 December 1960[3] and then transferred to the ACT Police in Canberra in 1964.[4] Warren served a total of three years in the ACT Police.[5] It was during his stint in uniform he got a phone call as a result of all the door-knocking he had done at various radio stations as a teenager. Warren took the job offered to him at 2LF Young, New South Wales as a sales representative, trotting commentator and rugby league commentator, which started his career in broadcasting.

He began commentating on television through the Amco Cup on Channel Ten with Keith Barnes in 1974. In 1980, Ten approached Warren to call the Melbourne Cup, the first of three Cups he called for the network.[6] He also became Network Ten's chief Rugby League caller in 1983.[7] In 1984 he was to head up Ten's commentary for the Los Angeles Olympics but refused to take the mission. As a nervous flyer, Warren had grave reservations about the trans-Pacific haul and suddenly realised he could not get onto the plane. In 1986, Warren was fired by the network, primarily because it wanted to replace him as its chief rugby league commentator with former international player Rex Mossop.[2]

Over the next six years, Warren also called horse races. In 1988 he was recruited by the Nine Network to commentate on the 1988 Rugby League World Cup final and the 1989 state of origin series alongside Darrell Eastlake, Michael Cronin, Jack Gibson and Balmain Tigers coach Warren Ryan, 1989 Trans-Tasman test series alongside Darrell Eastlake again and Jack Gibson and to be part of its team to broadcast swimming at the 1990 Commonwealth Games with Norman May. The television rights for rugby league were bought by Nine for the 1991 State of Origin Series, 1992 season and onwards and he has been calling the game for them ever since. Warren has gradually overcome his fear of flying, though he does still have some fear as evidenced by a well publicised helicopter flight to a game on the Gold Coast in 2012 made necessary due to a delayed flight from Sydney to the Gold Coast. Overcoming his fear has seen him travel to New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan and Canada for the network's swimming or rugby league coverage.

Warren is known for his passionate commentary (often getting into good-natured arguments with fellow commentator Phil Gould about a player or the rules of rugby league during games), and has often been parodied by The Twelfth Man. His voice has become synonymous with important rugby league matches in Australia, and he is renowned for his proficient ability to take over from fellow-commentators when anything interesting happens on the field.

Previously, Warren also worked on Triple M Sydney on the Saturday morning sports show Dead Set Legends with Greg Matthews, Mike Whitney and Russell Barwick. The other members of the Dead Set Legends included Michael Slater, Rebecca Wilson, Richard Freedman and Dan Ginnane, as well being a semi-regular host of 'The Rush Hour' with Dan Ginnane.

Warren was the footy-tip guru with Newcastle's radio station NXFM on the Steve and Kim (& Damo!) Morning Breakfast Talk Show (until the show was cancelled on 26-Oct-2012).[8][9]

Warren is also a contributor on Melbourne's Sport 927.

On 6 August 2011, a bronze statue of Warren was erected in his hometown of Junee.[10]

In August 2019, Warren was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame.[11]

The 2021 NRL Grand Final was Warren's final game as commentator after announcing his retirement on 1 June 2022.[12]

In 2022, Warren provided mock commentary for a fictional State of Origin match between Queensland and New South Wales in an episode of children's animated series Bluey.[13]

Personal life

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Ray Warren and his wife, Cher, live in the Sydney suburb of Castle Hill with their daughter, Holly. One of their sons, Chris,[14] works for 2GB Sydney on their NRL coverage and Fox Sports News. Ray was once the chief commentator in an early 1990s Western Suburbs Magpies match that Chris played in.[15] The Warrens' other son, Mark, is a broadcaster, actor, voice actor, MC, presenter and auctioneer.[16]

Warren's own personal sporting achievements include playing wing for the Quirindi Grasshoppers, and also playing Tony Roche in a tennis match.[17]

References

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from Grokipedia
Ray Warren OAM (born 11 June 1943) is a retired Australian best known for his decades-long coverage of professional , earning him the moniker "the Voice of Rugby League" for his passionate and distinctive play-by-play calls. Born in Junee, , Warren began his broadcasting career in 1966 at radio station 2LF in Young, initially covering local and before moving to Sydney's in 1969 and later television with the Ten Network in 1974. He joined Channel Nine in 1988, where he served as the network's head commentator from 1992, delivering iconic calls for 99 matches, over 45 NRL Grand Finals, and numerous games. Warren's career highlights include memorable moments such as his 1994 State of Origin call of Mark Coyne's "miracle try"—"That's not a try, that's a miracle"—and the 1997 Newcastle Knights Grand Final victory, which he described with emotional intensity reflective of his deep connection to the sport. Beyond rugby league, he broadcast swimming events at the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Commonwealth Games, as well as three Melbourne Cups and other horse racing. His preparation was meticulous; Warren attended team training sessions to master player names and tactics, ensuring accurate and engaging commentary that resonated with fans across radio (54 years) and television (46 years). Recognized for his contributions, Warren received the Medal in 2014 and was the first broadcaster inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2019, followed by enshrinement in the Media Hall of Honour and the Suncorp Stadium Media Hall of Fame in 2024, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australian Sports Commission Media Awards in 2024. After overcoming personal challenges, including a in the 1980s that briefly stalled his career, he retired in 2021 at age 78 following a storied tenure that spanned over 55 years and influenced generations of Australian sports broadcasting. In retirement, Warren has reflected on the difficulty of stepping away from the microphone, likening it to "cutting off my left arm," though he remains a revered figure in lore.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Ray Warren was born on 11 June 1943 in the small rural town of Junee, , . Junee, a working-class community in the region, provided a modest upbringing shaped by the agricultural and rail industries that dominated the local economy. Warren grew up in a close-knit family with working-class roots, including his parents and a sister named Val. His father introduced him to early, allowing the six-year-old Warren to place a bet on a horse race in 1949, which won at 20/1 odds and sparked an initial fascination with race calling. His mother held various superstitions, such as the belief that it was bad luck to pick up a dropped knife or to wear clothing inside-out without counting to ten, adding to the family's rural, superstitious household dynamics. The family's home, with its simple galvanised iron roof repairs, reflected their unpretentious lifestyle in post-war . During his childhood in Junee, Warren's early exposure to sports came through the town's tight community, where was a central passion, alongside and other local games. He attended Junee Intermediate High School and, as a young boy, began informally commentating on school sports carnivals, matches, and even marbles games, honing a natural talent for vivid description that foreshadowed his broadcasting career. This rural environment, with its emphasis on community events and the Junee Diesels club, instilled a lifelong enthusiasm for the sport, influencing his eventual focus on commentary.

Education and Initial Employment

Warren grew up in the rural town of Junee, , attending local schools where he developed an early interest in sports, including participation in schoolboys competitions. In 1954, at age 11, he scored a try for the team in a close 6-3 victory over Norths in the under-5-stone-7 division at Willow Park. This rural upbringing provided a foundational influence on his formative years, fostering resilience and a passion for . Warren did not pursue higher education, opting instead for an early entry into professional life. At the age of 17, Warren joined the Police Cadets on 5 December 1960, marking the start of his service in the , which lasted until 1964. Reflecting on his time as a young , he later described himself as "hopeless" in the role. In 1964, shortly after marrying his wife Monica, he relocated to Ainslie, , to join the Australian Capital Territory Police Force. Warren departed from the police force in 1966 to chase opportunities in media, securing an entry-level position at radio station 2LF in , where he began calling games. This transition allowed him to channel his longstanding enthusiasm for sports commentary, honed since childhood.

Broadcasting Career

Radio Beginnings

Ray Warren commenced his broadcasting career in at age 23, joining radio station 2LF in , after receiving a telegram while serving as a police officer in that offered him an on-air role. This opportunity marked his shift from to media, where his prior experience in police communications provided foundational poise for live announcements. In his initial positions at 2LF, Warren handled a variety of duties, including general announcing and sales representation, while quickly advancing to sports commentary. He covered local rugby league matches, (trotting), greyhound events, and even , gaining practical experience in describing fast-paced action to regional audiences. These early commentaries on community-level games allowed him to develop his signature style, emphasizing clarity and excitement in a modest studio setting. By 1969, Warren relocated to , progressing to the larger commercial station , where he expanded his scope in metropolitan radio and further established himself as a versatile announcer. This move from regional broadcasting to urban markets represented a pivotal step in his professional growth, opening doors to broader sports coverage opportunities.

Network Ten Period

Warren joined Network Ten in 1974 to provide commentary for the Amco Cup, a mid-week competition, marking his transition from to television. His radio experience at stations like provided a strong foundation for adapting to the visual medium, where he initially found the need to curtail verbose descriptions challenging due to the accompanying footage. Over time, this period allowed Warren to refine his style, emphasizing concise delivery and building excitement around key plays to complement the televised action. By 1983, Warren had risen to become Network Ten's chief rugby league caller, taking on lead commentary for major broadcasts including interstate matches between and . In this role, he covered significant events such as the annual interstate series, which predated the formalized format but held similar prestige, helping to elevate his profile as a national voice for the sport. Notable moments from this era include his emotional sign-off during the 1986 NSWRL broadcast between and , where he reflected on his tenure amid the network's coverage of the season's climax. Warren's time at Network Ten ended abruptly in 1986 when he was dismissed following network restructuring, stemming from his refusal to cover the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics due to a well-documented . The decision, which the network cited as limiting his versatility as lead commentator, left Warren without immediate employment in broadcasting, forcing him to take up as a to support his family in the immediate aftermath.

Nine Network Tenure

Warren joined the in 1988 as its lead commentator, beginning with coverage of the 1988 final alongside Darrell Eastlake and continuing into the 1989 . His established expertise from Network Ten positioned him ideally for this prominent role. Over his decades at Nine, Warren became synonymous with the network's broadcasts, commentating 99 games in total— the vast majority during the Nine era from 1989 onward— and solidifying his status as the "Voice of ." These calls captured pivotal moments in the series' history, from ' breakthrough wins in the 1990s to Queensland's dominant eight-series streak starting in 2006. Warren also provided commentary for 45 NRL Grand Finals, a record that underscored his enduring presence in the sport's premier events. Among his most celebrated contributions were the vivid descriptions of grand final triumphs, such as the ' 1997 victory over the Manly Sea Eagles, where his excited narration amplified the drama of the underdogs' upset win. He frequently collaborated with co-commentators like Phil Gould, whose expert analysis complemented Warren's play-by-play style to create engaging and insightful broadcasts across regular seasons, finals, and major series. Warren's tenure at Nine spanned from 1988 until his retirement announcement in June 2022, with the between and marking his farewell game after 55 years in . This period represented the pinnacle of his career, during which he elevated Nine's coverage to national prominence through consistent, high-energy narration.

Coverage of Non-Rugby League Sports

Warren's involvement in swimming commentary began in 1990 when he joined the Nine Network's coverage of the , partnering with the late Norman May to call the events. This marked the start of his extensive work in the sport, where he provided play-by-play descriptions during Australia's dominant era, featuring swimmers such as , , , and . His calls captured the excitement of key races, contributing to the broadcast's energy during a period of national success in the pool. Warren's Olympic swimming coverage spanned three Games for Nine: the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he famously narrated Susie O'Neill's world-record win in the 200m ; the 2004 Athens Olympics; and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These broadcasts highlighted Australia's "golden generation" of swimmers, with Warren's enthusiastic delivery enhancing the viewer's experience of medal-winning performances. He also commentated on other major events, including the Pan Pacific Championships, FINA World Championships, and World Short Course Championships, such as the 1999 event in . Beyond swimming, Warren ventured into horse racing commentary during his time at Network Ten, calling three Melbourne Cups in 1980, 1981, and 1982, including the 1982 edition won by Gurner's Lane. These high-profile races showcased his versatility as a broadcaster, adapting his style to the fast-paced narrative of . He also covered select boxing matches early in his career, though these were less frequent compared to his aquatic and equine assignments. By 2008, Nine relinquished broadcasting rights to major swimming events, prompting Warren to scale back non-rugby league duties and concentrate on his primary role in the sport. This shift allowed him to deepen his focus on rugby league coverage through the later stages of his career.

Later Career and Retirement

Final Years in Broadcasting

In the later stages of his career with the Nine Network, Ray Warren reached a significant milestone when a bronze statue honoring his contributions to sports broadcasting was unveiled in his hometown of Junee, New South Wales, on 6 August 2011 by NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell. This tribute recognized his enduring voice in rugby league commentary during his long tenure at Nine, where he had called numerous high-profile matches since joining in 1988. Warren continued to provide lead commentary for and NRL Grand Finals through 2021, culminating in his 99th Origin call that year. His dedication to these marquee events persisted despite health challenges, including a 2011 diagnosis that required surgery and led to ongoing concerns. In 2016, these issues prompted Warren to announce plans for retirement at season's end, citing the toll on his well-being, though he ultimately reversed the decision and maintained a selective schedule focused on major games into his late 70s. Warren's final broadcast was the on 3 October, where he called ' 14-12 victory over , marking the 45th grand final of his career. This game encapsulated the peak achievements of his final years, as he delivered iconic calls amid a career defined by record-breaking coverage at Nine.

Retirement Announcement

On June 1, 2022, Ray Warren announced his retirement from broadcasting after a 55-year career, stating that he had decided his time in the commentary box was over following discussions with his family. The 78-year-old commentator, born in 1943, reflected that his final call of the 2021 NRL Grand Final between Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs left him feeling he had accomplished what he set out to do, marking the culmination of his extensive tenure in rugby league coverage. Warren's decision was influenced by his advancing age and the length of his career, which spanned from 1966 and included calling 45 NRL Grand Finals and 99 matches, leading him to conclude there was nothing left to prove. He emphasized the emotional weight of stepping away after decades of dedication to the , noting the satisfaction of ending on a high note with the grand final. The announcement prompted widespread emotional tributes from colleagues and fans, with NRL Hall of Famer sharing a heartfelt story highlighting Warren's character and professionalism, while figures like , , and Phil Gould praised his iconic voice and enduring impact on broadcasting. The Australian Rugby League Commission and clubs such as the also issued statements lauding his contributions, underscoring the profound sense of loss felt across the sport.

Post-Retirement Reflections

Following his retirement from full-time broadcasting in 2022, Ray Warren made a notable voice cameo in the children's television series Bluey, providing commentary for a State of Origin-inspired match in the episode "The Decider," which aired on June 21, 2022. This appearance served as a lighthearted nod to his storied career, marking one of his first post-retirement engagements in media. In recognition of his contributions to sports broadcasting, Warren received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Sports Commission Media Awards on February 21, 2024. The honor highlighted his role as the "voice of " and his coverage of Australian swimming's golden era, among other achievements. Speculation about a potential return to the commentary booth arose in 2024, particularly surrounding , where fans and media hoped he might call his 100th match after 99 prior calls. In April, Warren expressed belief that he had "one more in him," but by June, he firmly dismissed rumors of a comeback, stating the idea was "absolute rubbish." In interviews during 2025, at the age of 82, Warren candidly shared his ongoing struggles with retirement, describing the adjustment as "like cutting off my left arm" and admitting he was "not handling it well." He revealed a deep sense of missing the game, noting that stepping away felt like losing a core part of his identity after decades in the industry. Despite these sentiments, Warren left open the possibility of occasional returns, such as for a milestone event, though no firm commitments emerged by late 2025.

Awards and Legacy

Major Honors and Inductions

In recognition of his extensive contributions to sports , Ray Warren was awarded the Medal of the (OAM) in the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours for services to and the media. In 2014, Warren was inducted into the Sydney Cricket Ground Media Hall of Honour as one of the inaugural members, recognizing his outstanding contributions to sports media. Warren's impact on rugby league commentary was further acknowledged with his induction into the National Rugby League (NRL) Hall of Fame as a contributor in August 2019, where he was celebrated as the "voice of rugby league" for his decades-long coverage of major matches, including 93 games. In February 2024, Warren received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Sports Commission Media Awards, honoring his career spanning over 50 years in radio and television broadcasting across multiple sports. Later that year, in July 2024, he became the first inducted into the Suncorp Stadium Media Hall of Fame, recognizing his influential role in calling iconic events at the venue and beyond.

Cultural and Media Impact

Ray Warren earned the enduring nickname "The Voice of " through his distinctive, passionate commentary style that captured the drama of NRL matches over five decades, particularly his calls during 99 games and 45 grand finals. His memorable phrases, such as "superb!" and "that is gold!", have become iconic, embedding his voice in the collective memory of fans and amplifying the sport's emotional intensity. This moniker reflects not just his technical prowess but his role in narrating 's triumphs and heartbreaks, making him synonymous with the game's broadcast identity. A tangible symbol of his cultural significance is the bronze statue erected in his hometown of Junee on 6 August 2011, depicting Warren in a classic commentary pose and serving as a public monument to his contributions to Australian sports media. Unveiled in Dobbyn Park, the statue honors his journey from a local boy to national icon, drawing visitors who recognize it as a tribute to broadcasting excellence rather than athletic achievement. Warren's influence extends to shaping the next generation of sports commentators, many of whom aspire to emulate his blend of enthusiasm and resilience after he shared advice like "be patient" during reflections on his career. His long tenure with the helped transform into a television staple, boosting viewership and embedding the sport in Australian living rooms as a cultural event. In popular culture, Warren's voice has inspired affectionate parodies and references, most notably in the 2022 Bluey episode "The Decider," where he reprised his role to narrate a child-led game, blending humor with homage to his legacy and reaching new audiences through the award-winning series. This appearance, praised for its heartfelt depiction of rivalry and unity, underscores how his commentary style has permeated family entertainment and reinforced rugby league's place in everyday Australian storytelling.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Ray Warren was previously married to Monica for 22 years, during which they had two sons, Chris and Mark. He married his second wife, Cher Warren, in 1994, and the couple has remained together since. Warren and Cher have one daughter, , born in 1997 when Warren was 54 years old. Both of Warren's sons have pursued careers in media, following in their father's footsteps as sports commentators and broadcasters. Chris Warren works as a rugby league commentator for 2GB, notably calling games alongside his father on occasion. Mark Warren is a multifaceted media professional, serving as a broadcaster, actor, voice artist, MC, and auctioneer through his company Warren Media & Co. Throughout Warren's illustrious career and into his retirement, his family provided steadfast support. He has publicly credited them for being "amazing during both the ups and the downs," describing his wife Cher as "a rock."

Residence and Interests

Ray Warren was born and raised in the regional New South Wales town of Junee, where he spent the first 17 years of his life in a modest weatherboard home on streets such as Belmore and Stewart. After leaving Junee at age 17 to pursue opportunities in Sydney, he eventually settled in the suburb of Castle Hill, establishing a long-term residence there that has spanned decades. His home on George Mobbs Drive in Castle Hill became a family hub, shared with his wife Cher and daughter Holly, underscoring his preference for a stable, suburban lifestyle in Sydney's northwest after roots in rural Australia. In his personal pursuits, Warren has long enjoyed as a recreational outlet, often prioritizing family and professional commitments over rounds on the course but maintaining it as a steady interest. Post-retirement, he has embraced spectatorship from the comfort of home, watching matches and reflecting on the game's rhythms, which he describes as an integral part of his daily routine despite the adjustment challenges. Family-oriented activities remain central to his life, including time spent with his , children, and grandchildren—such as Holly's Mateo—fostering close-knit gatherings that provide continuity amid life's transitions. Warren maintains ties to his hometown of Junee through community engagements, notably participating in the 2011 unveiling ceremony of his bronze statue in Dobbyn Park, a erected to honor his local origins and contributions to sports. This event highlighted his ongoing connection to the region, where he has expressed pride in supporting community landmarks that reflect his upbringing.

References

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