Sports broadcaster Darrell Eastlake has died, aged 75.
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He died on Thursday morning in a nursing home on the NSW Central Coast after suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Eastlake, who was intrinsically linked to Wide World of Sports, worked in television and radio for more than 40 years.
His commentary with “Super Coach” Jack Gibson helped define the sound of State of Origin rugby league during the 1980s.
“For a long time, his voice personified State of Origin,” NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.
“His calls were always colourful, larger than life, and he oozed passion through every tackle or big moment.
“Darrell will always be part of the rich history of State of Origin and he played an important role in the growth of the contest as a whole.”
Fairfax commentator Peter Fitzsimmons was one of many colleagues who have paid tribute to Eastlake on social media.
He tweeted: “Long remembered for his State of Origin calls, and his outcries of "What a HUGE man," during weight-lifting at Commonwealth Games. Feel privileged, to have worked with him. Vale.
Mr Eastlake battled Alzheimer's disease and emphysema since 2010.