The NRL world is rejoicing amid news that beloved commentator Warren Smith is set to return to his duties on Fox League next season.
Smith has been a staple of Fox’s broadcasts for the best part of three decades, yet he has not been sighted in 2026, following multiple voice box surgeries.
Smith typically calls two or three matches per round, but after struggling with his voice last season, he sought help following last year’s NRL grand final, with scans revealing he was suffering from laryngeal carcinoma in situ -a precancerous condition of the larynx and vocal folds.
What followed has been nothing short of brutal, with Smith undergoing six operations over a nine-month period.
But Smith is finally on the mend, telling Code Sports his voice is now the best it has been in years and that he plans to be back on deck in 2027.
“Unfortunately, it was discovered that the carcinoma had returned after the first three of those surgeries, so I underwent more laser surgery in April this year,” Smith told Code.
“Then, more recently, I underwent two more surgeries to improve the function of the vocal cords, which involved having a stent inserted into my larynx for three weeks in August, which was by far the most uncomfortable period of the whole process.
“The good news is that one month on from the stent being removed, my voice is the best it’s been since the 2025 NRL season. While I’ve missed all of the 2026 season, the signs are extremely positive for a return to calling footy in the 2027 pre-season.”
The positive update has the NRL world thrilled and looking forward to his return to the commentary box.
“He’s one of the best in the business – speedy recovery to him & relief for us when he’s back,” Dee Peak wrote on X.
“That would be brilliant. Sorely missed,” Brian de Groot commented. “Good to hear,” Alan Moriarty added. “A great caller! I had wondered where he had been all year. Glad he’ll be ok,” a fourth said.
It comes after Smith revealed 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 previously told Code.
“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.”
Originally published as NRL world rejoices at major Warren Smith update following health battle