'Time to give it up': Rabs roasted over commentary shocker
Channel Nine commentator Ray Warren has been roasted on social media after getting a little bit too excited about a clearly missed Nathan Cleary conversion during State of Origin.
The veteran caller had a moment to forget on the Cleary kick, getting prematurely excited over the Panthers star’s missed conversion and having to correct himself.
BRUTAL: Club hero shown the door in Penrith Panthers axing
COWARDS: NRL under fire over 'pathetic' national anthem saga
The gaffe came as NSW eased out to a 10-0 lead in the first half, off the back of tries for Damien Cook and Josh Addo-Carr.
The Blues withstood some early pressure from Queensland, before Cook’s try off his own deflected kick swung the momentum for NSW.
While some saw the funny side of Warren’s error, the iconic commentator also didn’t escape criticism.
Love Rabs, all the respect to his brilliance as a commentator, but I think it might be time to give it up
— Origin Blues Brother (@Likeatiger4) November 4, 2020
are the commentators drunk? come on rabs. #Origin
— Kristy Williams (@kristywill_1101) November 4, 2020
Rabs jumped the gun a bit on the conversion 😀
— Brad Newley (@BradNewley) November 4, 2020
Rabs can’t even commentate a conversion attempt correctly FMD just retire man
— Bam Quagliata (@bensquag) November 4, 2020
How washed is Ray Warren. Flat out seeing out his bedroom window these days. #Origin
— Victorian Rugba League Fan (@LaTrobeSt_local) November 4, 2020
The Blues held their 10-0 advantage at half-time despite another burst of pressure from Queensland to close the first act.
Fans reject Karl Stefanovic's Origin cameo
Channel Nine have played another hospital pass for the opening State of Origin match in Adelaide, after rolling out Today Show co-cost Karl Stefanovic for their pre-game coverage.
The series opener already had a strange feel about it after being staged at the iconic Adelaide Oval for the first time in history.
But it was the appearance of breakfast TV personality Stefanovic that raised eyebrows before kick-off.
Nine already copped a hiding after Phil Gould's controversial commentary for the NRL grand final.
And it seems the network can't take a trick, with Stefanovic's appearance equally as jarring for viewers.
The Today co-host joined the likes of league greats Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer, as well as regular host James Bracey for the network's pre-game coverage.
Nothing against him, but Karl Stefanovic shouldn’t host another state of origin. Just doesn’t feel right #stateoforigin
— okta (@oktaviano_) November 4, 2020
Why is big Karl doing #Origin pre game coverage? #QLDER
— Adam H (@thereddevils84) November 4, 2020
A proud Queenslander, Karl took up interviewing duties for the Maroons and even managed to get veteran coach Wayne Bennet to crack a smile.
But the larrikin TV personality was given a brutal dose of reality from viewers on social media, many of whom questioned why he was part of the broadcast.