Eastlake loved sport and sport loved him

NO ONE has or ever will call a State-of-Origin game quite like Darrell Eastlake.

In fact I’d go so far as to say few commentators worldwide could ever call sport quite like the big man.

Growing up in the late 80s and early 90s it was his voice that sold me on Origin as much as the big hits and deft flick passes.

His passion and love for Origin was so big, so raw and honest you couldn’t help but be caught up in the moment.

And it wasn’t just Origin and league. I can still remember his call of the weightlifting at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games.

I have a vested interest in weightlifting. I’ve always loved the sport, but I’ll be the first to admit it’s not exactly exciting to watch.

I’m captivated by the grace, skill and power of the sport but it’s never going to break viewing records.

However Eastlake brought his trademark excitement and passion to the sport and it was awesome.

His booming voice added a new layer of excitement to the event. Unfortunately for Eastlake his passion and excitement at the games was treasured by fans and the viewing audience but not by rival commentators and news teams.

After a few “complaints” Eastlake was famously removed from the commentary floor.

The beauty of Eastlake was the fact it wasn’t an act. Whether he was calling Origin, motorsport, surfboats or weightlifting it was all natural.

He loved sport and we loved him (and sport) because of it.

We haven’t heard an Eastlake “HUUUUGE” since 2005 but he will never be forgotten.

Eastlake passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and emphysema – he was aged 75.