Darrell Eastlake was a knockabout larrikin who rose to legend status as a sporting commentator.
He died yesterday at 75, in an aged care facility on the Central Coast of NSW, having suffered from by Alzheimer’s, dementia, and emphysema for most of the last decade.
Having a beer with Darrell wasn’t just social, it was an event, especially in his kingdom of Gosford, where he held court.
Walking along the street to the appointed venue, every second man or woman stopped to greet him, to shake his hand, or just pat him on the back.
He didn’t know 95 per cent of them, but they all received a beaming smile, a firm handshake, and a ‘nice to see you’ – or ‘nice to see you again’ to those he recognised from an earlier chance meeting.
And it was the same in the drinking hole, or the restaurant.
It was a ritual, an event.
As a kid, he loved all sport, but particularly surfing and rugby league.
It was the former that got him started after kicking off his adult life as a Qantas luggage handler.
He progressed to making surfboards, and owning a surf shop in Cronulla, to giving surf reports on 2UW.
The next step was calling the Knights on Newcastle’s NBN before starting his four decades on Channel Nine’s ‘Wide World of Sports’, calling rugby league, surfing, motorsports, Formula One, and weightlifting.
He was the first to call State of Origin over a decade, from 1983 to 1993, but it was the weightlifting that provided the humour with the always evident passion.
In one tournament his booming voice drowned out his peers on other stations, so organisers moved Darrell into the stairwell. But he could still be heard in the commentary box, even though it was some distance away.
That signature voice was so strong it sent the volume needle way to the right on the panel, and when he got really excited, which was often, the voice made the needle bend hard against the stopper.
But that was Darrell Eastlake, and his unbridled passion, to a tee.
He just loved sport, his wife Julie, and loved a beer with a smoke afterwards. In return, his listeners loved him for his genuine passion, his vast general knowledge on the run, and his delivery.
He made sport lively, and always interesting.
We farewell a great bloke, who made an even greater impact and contribution to sport calling. That recognition is reserved for the very few.
He’s gone, but will never be forgotten for as long as the media covers sport. And that, of course, will be forever.
Kangajets
Guest
Is this the Gavin Hanrahan that played for the knights ??
Kangajets
Guest
Excellent recall of my youth Everything you said resonated with me too , back when I lived and breathed the game Darrell was a great combination with Gibson and was part of what made origin so great back then .
Kangajets
Guest
Newcastle rugby league used to be live on channel 3 on Saturday afternoons The Newcastle competition was huge back in the day , especially before televised Sydney games
Jason Cave
Guest
If you want a stark contrast of how Channel 7 did the State of Origin series as opposed to Channel 9, watch Game 3 of the 1982 series from the SCG called by Rex Mossop, and then Game 1 of the 1983 series with the commentary from the late Darrell Eastlake, Ian Maurice and Arthur Summons. Nine took Origin to another level-and Darrell Eastlake was at the forefront of it. RIP Darrell Eastlake (oh, and say hello to the two Gibsons for us, Mike and Jack!)
BrainsTrust
Guest
That would have been Newcastle's local rugby league competition. I can remember it being shown because the family hoiliday home that and the Newcastle ABC were the two clearest channels.
Pickett
Guest
Good stuff Lordy. My life as a kid revolved around playing, watching and listening to Rugby League. Sportsworld with Moose, Ferris, Ned, Clarkson, Pearce, the elephant in the pass the ball contest (Lordy with the cricket and Rugby segment); 2SM and Frank Hyde and of course SOO. Wally, Meninga, Blocker.... and the irrepressible commentary team of Big Darrell and the legendary Big Jack Gibson. Was there ever a better commentary team than these 2? I'm thankful for those times. Vale Darrell.
GWSingapore
Guest
While on RIPs. Wrestling's "only living legend" also passed away yesterday. Vale Bruno Sammartino.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Thanks Lordy, Big Darrell was an icon in the broadcasting world. By all accounts a terrific, larger than life character. As a kid I used to love listening to his booming voice be it for Origin, Surf Lifesaving or weightlifting.
Lano
Roar Guru
Nice work David.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Darrell Eastlake is a legend of sport commentary and especially rugby league and SOO! SOO was not the same without Darrel Eastlake, he's given me as I'm sure many many fans of sport an unbelievable experiences in sport. As you said David, he made sport lively, always interesting and he especially made sports commentary have a greater impact than what it really was. That was Darrell Eastlake, there will never ever be another Darrell Eastlake, that's for sure! Its a sad day and RIP Darrell Eastlake 'you will never be forgotten' that voice and passion is legendary!
jimmmy
Guest
I must admit he was someone I loved to hate, His NSW bias got under my Maroon skin but I will admit he made Origin compulsive viewing and his love of the game was plain to see. I did think though that his style didn’t translate well to the Chess world championships.
Hanrahan
Guest
"The next step was calling the Knights on Newcastle’s NBN3 before starting his four decades on Channel Nine’s “Wide World of Sports” calling rugby league..." The Knights first played in 1988 so I think you may be wrong there David.