Overshadowed by the battle of the west and the chance for Parramatta to break their premiership drought is this somewhat disconcerting fact: Ray Warren won’t be commentating.
An NRL grand final without the voice of rugby league is very much the gluten-free pizza of the footy world: it’s perfectly serviceable but just.not.quite.it.
Warren called 45 first grade grand finals and 99 State of Origin games during his illustrious career, which saw him inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame back in 2019.
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Who will replace Ray Way Warren in the commentary booth?
Mat Thompson will call the NRL Grand Final alongside Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith, while Phil Gould, Peter Psaltis and Ruan Sims will provide commentary for the NRLW and State Championship Grand Final.
Danika Mason, Allana Ferguson and Emma Lawrence will cover the sidelines for all three games.
When did Ray Warren retire?
Warren announced in June that he would step away, with the decision ending the ongoing speculation regarding his future, with Warren not featuring at all in the opening 12 rounds of the NRL season.
“After talking with my family and calling rugby league and other sports for 55 years, I have decided my time in the commentary box is over,” Warren said in a statement.
“I will miss calling immensely but I think it’s time to move on with my 80th birthday only 12 months away.”
What time is the NRL Grand Final?
| CITY | LOCAL TIME | CHANNEL |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 7:30pm | Channel 9/9Now |
| Brisbane | 6:30pm | Channel 9/9Now |
| Melbourne | 7:30pm | Channel 9/9Now |
| Adelaide | 7:00pm | Channel 9/9Now |
| Perth | 4:30pm | Channel 9/9Now |
