Big Darrell always a winner

Leading sports commentator Darrell Eastlake has been remembered as “a larrikin” with “a heart as big as Australia”, after his death at age 75. The former Wide World of Sports commentator (above), who also called State of Origin and the Commonwealth Games, had been battling Alzheimer’s and emphysema for several years.

LEADING sports commentator Darrell Eastlake has been remembered as “a larrikin” with “a heart as big as Australia”, after his death at age 75.

The former Wide World of Sports commentator, who also called State of Origin and the Commonwealth Games, had been battling Alzheimer’s and emphysema for several years.

His former colleague Ken Sutcliffe said Eastlake was “a real larrikin” but he had “a heart as big as Australia”.

“He was larger than life, and he loved life,” Sutcliffe said yesterday morning after the Nine Network announced Eastlake’s death.

Eastlake worked in television and radio for more than 40 years and was known for his trademark booming voice.

Nine’s director of sport Tom Malone told colleagues Eastlake understood “sport is entertainment, and for the average person, a momentary escape from their everyday life”.

“He revolutionised sports … with his trademark excitement and ‘HUUUGE’ commentary,” Malone said.

HUGE IMPACT: Former sports commentator Darrell Eastlake, who has died aged 75, with a Lotus sportscar bearing his trademark “HUUUGE” personalised number plates.