The former boss of Nine’s NRL, Matt Callander, has passed away from brain cancer aged just 46.
Callander, the son of famed horse race caller Ken Callander, had battled the disease for some time and passed away yesterday surrounded by family. He was instrumental in the NRL’s Beanie for Brain Cancer campaign earlier this year that raised $2 million.
Callander worked for the Nine Network for two decades both as a producer and commentator.
Nine’s director of sport Tom Malone said in a statement: “His painstaking attention to detail with the NRL draw was a massive factor in our success in broadcasting and retaining rugby league on Nine.
“He continued to work right until the end. He was loved by all for his quiet understated approach and his terrific way of dealing with producers, talent, production staff – everyone.
“That all pales into insignificance with the way Matt approached the past 18 months. Faced with a diagnosis most would find overwhelming,
Callander is survived by his wife, Anne, and four children.
