Former Sea Eagle, ABC radio personality John Gibbs diagnosed with cancer

John Gibbs, a respected figure in Australian rugby league and a familiar voice on ABC Sport, has announced he is stepping away from broadcasting after being diagnosed with cancer. Gibbs, 70, revealed his health battle on Monday, prompting an outpouring of support from his colleagues and the wider sporting community.

Gibbs, who played 81 first-grade games for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and represented New South Wales and Australia, has been a commentator for ABC Sport since 2016. He was part of the broadcast team on Sunday afternoon when the Parramatta Eels defeated the Wests Tigers.

Andrew Moore, ABC Sport's lead rugby league caller and a close friend of Gibbs, confirmed the diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. "John Gibbs called me this afternoon to confirm something he had been fearing for a while. He's been diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma," Moore stated.

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John Gibbs called me this afternoon to confirm something he had been fearing for a while. He's been diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Moore added that Gibbs is prepared for his upcoming treatment. "He knows he's in for a fight, but he wants you to know he's up for it. We are family and, as I discovered a year ago, the wave of support from the ABC team, it's significant, it's powerful, it's amazing and it helps. Like so many of you, he's ready to kick cancer to the kerb and beat the mongrel."

Gibbs has been a prominent presence on Sydney radio since the 1980s, working as a commentator, presenter, and host for various stations including 2UE, 2GB, and ABC Sport.

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He knows he's in for a fight, but he wants you to know he's up for it. We are family and, as I discovered a year ago, the wave of support from the ABC team, it's significant, it's powerful, it's amazing and it helps. Like so many of you, he's ready to kick cancer to the kerb and beat the mongrel.