Former ABC sports broadcaster David Morrow, who was announced as an inductee into the NRL Hall of Fame last week, has died at the age of 71.

Morrow died after being diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year.

Born in Sydney, Morrow began his career in country New South Wales as a general announcer with radio 2KM (now 2MC) in Kempsey in 1971.

He soon broke into sports broadcasting and eventually joined ABC Sport in 1980.

Morrow was a central part of ABC’s sport coverage for more than three decades, best known for his work in rugby league, including 14 years as a team with Warren Ryan and Craig Hamilton.

He covered eight Olympic Games for ABC — beginning with Los Angeles in 1984 — and six Commonwealth Games.

Aside from rugby league, he also covered racing, cricket, rugby union and soccer.

He was awarded an OAM in 2005 for his services to the community, sport and sports broadcasting.

Morrow left ABC in 2014, working with Sydney station 2GB until the end of 2023.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys paid tribute to Morrow.

“David has been one of the great voices of the game – recognised around the country for his wit, his insight and his knowledge,” Mr V’landys said.

“I had the pleasure of knowing David throughout my career in sport and he was a champion in every sense of the word. I have been honoured and privileged to know him as a friend.

“In his final days, David knew how cherished he was in the rugby league community, having been informed of his induction into the Hall of Fame.

“While it is terrible that we have lost David, it is comforting to know that he and his family were aware what the game felt about his achievements.

“David’s life and contribution will be celebrated on August 21 at the Hall of Fame dinner. On behalf of the commission, I extend our sincerest condolences to David’s family, and all those who worked with him and knew him.”