RIP Ray, for all his fumbles he was a great commentator and the voice of rugby league for many years. 


When I was at uni I took 4 phone calls off him.  He was covering Student Rugby for the League Express and had got my details from someone. I was captain coach of my team and I took a call on my mobile, which was a novelty at the time (late 90’s) and I heard, “Now then Jonathan….” In his distinct voice. I obviously assumed it was a wind up and hung up because it was totally out of the blue. 


He called back another time and similar happened and a third time I told the caller (assuming it was a wind up) to F off.


The 4th time  he called after some persuasion on his part I listened to what he said still not convinced but gave him out kick off time and day. 


Sure enough on the day he turned up on a Wednesday afternoon after a 3 hour drive to watch and report on a student game of rugby. 


He stayed after for an hour or 2 spoke to both teams and was an absolute gentleman.


Rugby is a slightly worse place today after his passing . 

I still remember a Cup game at Widnes 1995 when there was a group of 6 or 7 Widnes fans dressed as Saudi Arabians and Ray saying that he thought he saw a Camel in the Car Park!