Ray Hadley's emotional call to commentator David Morrow after NRL Hall of Fame recognition amid brain cancer battle

Broadcaster Ray Hadley has spoken about the heartbreaking phone call he made to ex-colleague David Morrow about his entry into the NRL's Hall of Fame.

Esteemed Australian sports commentator David Morrow, 71, will be added to the highly coveted NRL Hall of Fame as he continues to battle brain cancer.

Morrow received the call from Hadley while in hospital, with wife Chris and commentator Mark Levy by his side.

'It was a very emotional time. I tried to hold it together as best as I could,' Hadley told his 2GB audience.

''Thirsty' was sleeping and then woke. I explained while he was awake to him and Chris what had happened that day and he had been elevated to the NRL Hall of Fame. 

'We had a conversation as best we could, and I heard later from Mark that tears were shed by David and by Chris.'

The popular 2GB caller began his career more than 50 years ago, going onto cover eight Olympic Games and six Commonwealth Games.

Nicknamed 'Thirsty' due to his love of a beer, Morrow - who also worked at the ABC for many years- has called rugby league, racing and cricket with distinction.

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

'I'm so pleased that the group was unanimous around the induction of David Morrow,' ARL chairman Peter V'landys told News Corp.

'David is a legendary contributor to the game over many decades and has provided colourful and insightful coverage of the game in his own unique style.'

In February, close friend Hadley confirmed Morrow's struggles with cancer.

'David and the family decided they wanted me to break the news to not just our media colleagues, but the millions of listeners David has connected with in a career that's lasted more than 45 years,' the former taxi driver said.

'Thirsty, as he's widely known, is a man of some substance.

'It goes without saying he is Australia's most versatile sports broadcaster.

'David recently advised his mates on the Continuous Call Team and management of Nine Radio that he would be retiring from duties immediately.

'We were all shocked to find out after a couple of serious incidents during the off-season that David had been diagnosed with brain cancer.'