Ray Hadley confirms major NRL commentary move after infamous 'stoush' with Andrew Voss
Hadley's revelation comes after his tearful radio farewell.
Ray Hadley has confirmed he is set to call NRL games on Fox Sports next season after stepping down from his record-breaking morning radio show. Surrounded by family and work colleagues, a tearful Hadley was farewelled from Sydney radio station 2GB on Friday after 43 years on air.
The program bearing his name won 161 of 162 ratings surveys over 20 years. The 70-year-old grandfather has stepped away from the microphone to enjoy more downtime and pursue interests outside the media, but revealed his voice is still likely to be heard during next year's Fox League coverage.
Hadley also cheekily pushed himself as a potential panellist on NRL 360 in the hope of re-engaging with sparring partner and good friend, veteran News Corp journalist Phil "Buzz" Rothfield. "Nothing's been locked in or nothing's been arranged, but there's a capacity for me to call football - certainly on TV, most unlikely to be Channel Nine - but there's another avenue that could be open to me," Hadley told Sky Sports' Big Breakfast Weekend program.
"Steve Crawley is a mate of mine, the boss of Fox Sports, and we haven't spoken about it, but I'd like to have a crack at 360 just to give it to Buzz (Phil Rothfield)." Crawley said he is yet to officially discuss the network's 2025 plans with Hadley but plans to in the near future.
He told Nine Newspapers last month: "We haven’t spoken. We’ve known each other for a long time, so we will probably have a chat at some stage, but I have to say we’re very happy with our NRL callers and 360 is flying with Braith (Anasta) and Gorden (Tallis) hosting." Andrew Voss, Warren Smith and Dan Ginnane head up Fox League's team of callers.
Ray Hadley has 'no issue' with Andrew Voss after legal stoush
Voss and Hadley had a high profile stoush more than a decade ago over a statue dedicated to legendary caller Ray Warren. Voss suggested the statue bore little resemblance to Warren and was attacked on air by Hadley.
Voss instigated legal action, with the matter settled out of court. Hadley insisted the pair had reconciled and "there is no issue there" should the pair be reunited at Fox.
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Hadley was dumped from Channel 9's rugby league coverage in 2020 amid criticism his rapid style calling was more suited to radio than television. The veteran broadcaster has called 99 State of Origin matches and 35 grand finals for radio.
