The NRL world is sending its well-wishes to beloved commentator Warren Smith after the reason he has been missing from the opening round of the new season came to light.
Smith has been a staple of the Fox Sports broadcast for the best part of three decades, yet he has not been sighted in 2026, leading fans to question his absence online.
Addressing his absence, Smith told Code Sports that he has taken a temporary step back from his commentating duties after being diagnosed with precancerous lesions in his voice box.
Smith typically calls two or three matches per round, but after struggling with his voice last season, he sought help following the NRL grand final, with scans revealing he was suffering from laryngeal carcinoma in situ.
“I was just sort of battling through the end of the season last year – the last two or three months,” he said.
“Doing what we do, we’re screaming and carrying on the TV quite a lot. It’s sort of just a hazard of the job, and we all deal with voices that aren’t at their best all the time.
“But I just sort of thought, ‘This is not quite right, there’s something else doing’. So I booked myself in to see a specialist the week after the grand final.”
Smith says he wasn’t happy with his display in last year’s grand final and he’s keen to get back on the mic in the near future.
“I hear the Broncos grand final story – which is airing at the moment – and I hear my commentary and it’s okay but it wasn’t me at my best. I don’t want that to be my last ever game. We all end at some stage as far as our careers are concerned, but I want to go out on my terms,” Smith continued.
“So I’m completely driven to get back and be as good as I can be once again, because it’s great fun, man.
“I enjoy going to the footy, catching up with people, going to training sessions, speaking to coaches and learning more about the game.
“So it’s a great way to make a living and I’m determined to get back to doing it.”
And the NRL world is hoping that he will return sooner rather than later.
“Looking forward to you being back for a “We are Live”,” one fan wrote on X, to which Smith replied, “Cheers, Wal, I’ll be back pestering you in no time!”.
“Take care, Warren. Look forward to seeing you back in the comms box shortly,” another said.
“Here’s to a solid recovery, Warren- here’s to hearing you back in the box soon. All the best to you and yours, Warren,” a third commented.
