The Voice

Ray 'Rabbits' Warren is the legendary voice of Australian sports commentary. People tell him he must have drunk a bottle of scotch and smoked a packet of cigarettes every day to have the voice that he has. That's not the case - at least, not anymore . . . The son of a railway worker, Ray placed his first bet on a horse called Playboy at the age of just six, and won. A lifelong love of the track - and the punt - was born. During his remarkable broadcasting career, which has now spanned almost five decades, Ray has called three Melbourne Cups, Commonwealth and Olympic Games swimming, and countless rugby league matches alongside his mates Fatty, Sterlo and Gus.

Here, for the first time, Ray reveals the man behind the microphone. He speaks of the great highs and devastating lows of his career and life in the same way he calls every sporting event: with great passion, colour and candour.

Ray Warren is one of the most experienced sports broadcasters in Australia. The son of a railway worker, he began calling racing and rugby league in country NSW in 1966, and worked for several radio stations and Channel Ten before joining the Nine Network in 1989. In addition to being the doyen of rugby league commentators, he is 'the voice of the pool' and has broadcast Commonwealth and Olympic Games swimming, most recently at London 2012.

Andrew Webster is Chief Sports Writer for The Sydney Morning Herald. He has written about sport - particularly rugby league - for more than 17 years at a range of publications. He has covered Kangaroo tours, summer and winter Olympic Games, and the FIFA World Cup. He also appears regularly on Channel Nine. He has written and contributed to several books, including the widely acclaimed Supercoach: The Life and Times of Jack Gibson.

'A legend in Australian sport'-Phil Gould

'When it comes to rugby league commentary, there is little dispute that Ray Warren is the best in the business ... I know you'll enjoy his story.'-Alan Jones AO

'It's not the vision that sells this game. It's not just the amazing feats of these mighty players. It's the way Ray Warren calls the action. The sense of theatre he brings to the call. Ray makes the game better. He brings it to life in lounge rooms all over the country. Ray Warren is the voice of rugby league.'-Phil Gould