Ray Warren facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ray Warren
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Statue of Warren in Junee NSW
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| Born | 11 June 1943 Junee, New South Wales, Australia
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| Other names | Rabbits, Rabs, The Voice of Rugby League |
| Citizenship | Australian |
| Occupation | Sports commentator |
| Years active | 1967–2022 |
| Spouse(s) | Cher Warren |
| Children | Chris Warren (son) Holly Warren (daughter) Mark Warren (son) |
Raymond Warren (born 11 June 1943) is a famous Australian sports commentator. Many people know him as "The Voice of Rugby League." He became well-known for calling professional rugby league games on the Nine Network.
Ray Warren called an amazing 99 State of Origin games. He also commentated on 45 NRL Grand Finals. He retired from commentating in 2022.
Contents
Ray Warren's Journey to Commentary
Early Life and First Jobs
Ray Warren was born in Junee, New South Wales, Australia, on 11 June 1943. When he was young, he followed his brother and joined the police force. He worked as a police cadet and then as a police officer for a few years.
While working as a police officer, Ray got a phone call that changed his life. He had been trying to get a job at different radio stations. This call led him to a job at a radio station called 2LF in Young, New South Wales.
Starting in Broadcasting
At 2LF, Ray Warren worked as a sales representative. He also started commentating on horse races and rugby league games. This was the beginning of his long career in broadcasting.
Moving to Television Commentary
Ray Warren started commentating on television in 1974. He worked for Channel Ten and called games like the Amco Cup. In 1980, Channel Ten asked him to commentate on the famous Melbourne Cup horse race. He called this race three times for the network.
By 1983, he became Channel Ten's main rugby league commentator. However, in 1986, the network decided to replace him with another commentator.
Joining the Nine Network
After leaving Channel Ten, Ray Warren also called horse races for six years. In 1988, the Nine Network hired him. He commentated on the 1988 Rugby League World Cup final. He also covered the 1989 State of Origin series and other big rugby league games.
Nine Network also wanted him to be part of their team for swimming events. He covered the 1990 Commonwealth Games for them. In 1991, Nine Network bought the rights to show rugby league games. Ray Warren has been calling games for them ever since.
Overcoming a Fear of Flying
Ray Warren used to be very scared of flying. This fear even stopped him from going to the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. But over time, he slowly overcame his fear. He still had some worries, like when he took a helicopter to a game in 2012 because his flight was delayed.
Because he overcame his fear, he was able to travel for his job. He went to places like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada. He covered both swimming and rugby league events for the network.
Ray Warren's Unique Commentary Style
Ray Warren is famous for his exciting and passionate commentary. He often had friendly arguments with fellow commentator Phil Gould during games. They would debate about players or rugby league rules.
His voice became very well-known for important rugby league matches in Australia. He was also great at taking over from other commentators when something exciting happened on the field.
Other Media Work
Besides his main commentary roles, Ray Warren also worked on radio. He was part of the "Dead Set Legends" sports show on Triple M Sydney. He also contributed to other radio shows.
Recognitions and Retirement
On 6 August 2011, a bronze statue of Ray Warren was put up in his hometown of Junee. This was a special way to honor him. In August 2019, he was added to the National Rugby League Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor in rugby league.
The 2021 NRL Grand Final was Ray Warren's last game as a commentator. He officially announced his retirement on 1 June 2022. Even after retiring, he provided mock commentary for a fictional State of Origin match in an episode of the children's animated series Bluey in 2022.
Ray Warren's Family Life
Ray Warren lives in Sydney with his wife, Cher, and their daughter, Holly. His son, Chris, also works in rugby league media. Chris works for 2GB Sydney and Fox Sports News.
Ray even commentated on a game in the early 1990s where Chris was playing. Ray's other son, Mark, is also involved in broadcasting and acting.
