Television sports journalist and presenter Mike Gibson dies aged 75

Rugby League fans are today mourning the loss of one of the game’s most celebrated broadcasters and commentators, Mike Gibson, who has passed away aged 75 on Wednesday.

You may remember Gibbo from Wide World of Sports – he became a household name in the 80s with his recognisable style of interviewing and commentary.

Sports journalist Tony Squires who hosts The Back Page on Fox Sports said Gibbo was an inspiration.

Fellow Channel Nine reporter Ken Sutcliffe, a friend and work colleague, says he was a pioneer of longer form sports shows.

“Mike had a wonderful turn of phrase and his passion for sport and for Rugby League was always clear”, Mr Greenberg said.

He was parodied by the 12th Man, Billy Birmingham, in his second album, Wired World Of Sports.

“In a real sense, he revolutionised the role of the sports anchor”. News presenter Sandra Sully wrote “Very very sad!”

He later moved to Fox Sports, where he presented 720 episodes of the sports show the Back Page from 1997 to 2012.

“Gibbo is a legend of Australian sport”.

“Sorry to hear of the death of Mike Gibson”.

“People have come up to me in restaurants and coffee shops and told me The Back Page is part of their life, part of their weekly routine, which is a great compliment”.