On this day in 1982, Ray Hadley began his now-record breaking Rugby League broadcasting career.

He became a part of the Col Pearce ‘around the grounds’ team on 2UE, updating the game between Illawarra and Penrith at Wollongong Showground.

In 1987 Ray went on to call his first full game, setting in motion radio history.

The 2018 season sees Ray pass the great Frank Hyde as the longest-serving football commentator on commercial radio.

Frank was the voice of the game for 31 years, from 1953 until his retirement in 1983.

The season will be Ray’s 32nd.

Ray’s first appearance on radio came during Navy Week in October 1981 when he filled in as a traffic reporter for the late Gary O’Callaghan.

Happy anniversary Ray!

Click PLAY below to hear Ray reminisce on the milestone