- Commentary legend has revealed health struggles in new interview
Fox League commentator Warren Smith has revealed the reason viewers didn’t hear from him during round one of the NRL season: he has been diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesions on his vocal cords.
Smith has been a leading voice in the Fox Sports team for almost three decades, so his absence from the booth when the season started in Las Vegas made waves with fans.
The veteran has now revealed he has taken a step back from his commentating duties for the time being after being diagnosed with pre-cancerous abnormal tissue in his voice box.
He had difficulties with his voice at the end of last season and went for scans, which revealed he has been suffering from laryngeal carcinoma.
‘I was just sort of battling through the end of the season last year – the last two or three months,’ Smith told News Corp.
‘Doing what we do, we’re screaming and carrying on on TV quite a lot.
Warren Smith (pictured) has stepped away from the mic after being diagnosed with pre-cancerous lesions on his vocal cords
Smith (pictured) is a veteran caller – and one of the most respected figures in rugby league
‘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.’
After the diagnosis, Smith went through three laser surgeries and had to use a clipboard to communicate with his wife because he wasn’t allowed to speak.
But despite the health scare, he’s hopeful of making a quick return to the commentary box.
‘We all end at some stage as far as our careers are concerned, but I want to go out on my terms,’ he said.
Fans were quick to wish Smith a fast recovery after the news broke.
‘Take care, Warren. Look forward to seeing you back in the comms box shortly,’ one person wrote on X.
The commentator (pictured right with NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley) realised there was an issue with his voice near the end of 2025
Smith (pictured) recently took part in the Super Swim challenge to raise money for the Starlight Foundation
‘Here’s to a solid recovery – here’s to hearing you back in the box soon. All the best to you and yours Warren,’ another added.
‘He is one of my favourites; hoping he makes a healthy recovery and can get back behind the mic soon,’ one more said.
Smith joined Fox Sports in 1995 and is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most versatile commentators.
Throughout his career, he has been part of commentary teams broadcasting NRL matches, the World Superbike Championships and the Presidents Cup golf.
