Ray Warren
Ray Warren | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 11, 1943 Junee, New South Wales, Australia |
| Occupation | Sports broadcaster |
| Years active | 1960s–2022 |
| Known for | Rugby league commentary on the Nine Network |
Raymond Warren (born 11 June 1943) is a former Australian sports broadcaster best known for his extensive rugby league commentary on the Nine Network. Often referred to as the "Voice of Rugby League," he delivered play-by-play for 99 State of Origin matches and 45 NRL Grand Finals. In addition to rugby league, Warren provided coverage for Australian swimming competitions and the FINA World Championships until Nine lost broadcasting rights in 2008. He also played a role in Nine's coverage of the 2012 London Olympics.
Career
Warren was born in Junee, New South Wales on 11 June 1943. He began his career by joining the NSW Police Cadets in 1960 and later served three years with the ACT Police. Utilizing connections from his early life, he started working at 2LF Young as both a sales representative and a rugby league commentator.
His television commentary debut came in 1974 with the Amco Cup on Channel Ten. By 1983, he had become Ten’s lead rugby league voice and also called three Melbourne Cups for the channel. However, in 1986, Channel Ten replaced him with former player Rex Mossop, ending his association with the network.
In 1988, Warren moved to the Nine Network, where he began covering major rugby league events including the 1988 Rugby League World Cup final and subsequent State of Origin series. After Nine secured rugby league broadcasting rights from 1991 onwards, Warren was appointed as their principal commentator. His role expanded to include international coverage from locations such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada. Despite an initial fear of flying, he overcame this challenge to fulfill his global broadcasting responsibilities.
Warren’s fervent and distinctive commentary style established him as a prominent figure in Australian rugby league media. He frequently engaged in lively exchanges with fellow commentator Phil Gould, adding depth and excitement to broadcasts. Beyond television, Warren contributed to radio sports shows including Triple M Sydney’s Dead Set Legends and Melbourne’s Sport 927.
Among his accolades are a bronze statue erected in Junee in 2011 and his induction into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2019. He concluded his commentary career after calling the 2021 NRL Grand Final, officially announcing his retirement in June 2022. Additionally, Warren lent his voice for a comedic commentary segment in a fictional State of Origin game featured in the children’s program Bluey in 2022.
Personal life
Ray Warren lives in Sydney’s Castle Hill with his wife Cher and their daughter Holly. Their son, Chris, is involved in NRL broadcasting for 2GB Sydney and Fox Sports News. Notably, Ray was the lead commentator during a Western Suburbs Magpies match in the early 1990s when Chris was playing. Their other son, Mark, has built a career as a broadcaster, actor, voice artist, master of ceremonies, presenter, and auctioneer.
In terms of sporting experience, Warren played as a wing for the Quirindi Grasshoppers and once competed against Tony Roche in tennis.