Vale Billy J Smith

The Australian radio industry has lost another giant with the death of Queensland radio and TV personality Billy J Smith.

The former rugby league commentator passed away at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on Tuesday night, after suffering a fall from which he never regained consciousness. He was 73.

Smith became famous for his radio and TV calls of league matches in Brisbane during the 1979s and 80s and went on to host the TV show ‘It’s a Knockout’ between 1985 and 1987.

Billy was also part of 4BC’s nightly Sports Tonight Show before signing off in 2009.