Ray's media career began with BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975

A top player in his day, he has become a household name thanks to his exploits behind the microphone.

With his instantly recognisable voice, obvious enthusiasm and brilliant powers of description, he has been responsible for bringing the game to life for the past 28 years.

A former English teacher, we should not be too surprised at Ray's eloquence on both radio and television.

He has also written seven books on the game, is currently the co-editor of 'League Weekly' and contributes regular columns to this website.

But it is the very fact that he hit the heights as a player that make him such a respected figure in rugby league circles.

Despite his strong affinity with league, Ray's rugby roots lie in the other code, beginning his playing career as a second row forward with union outfit St Helens and enjoying success at both club and international level.

Three years and four England caps later, he decided to try his hand at league, a signing-on fee of �5,000 smoothing his transfer in 1961.

He quickly made an impact with his new club, St Helens, becoming captain and guiding them to numerous trophies, including the Championship and Challenge Cup.

Ray (centre) was a hit in union before switching codes in 1961

More international honours followed, but only after he had made the short move to Widnes in 1967.

Ray went on to win four caps for Great Britain and was selected for the 1968 World Cup tour to Australia and New Zealand.

His playing career finally came to an end in 1972, but his association with rugby league was to only get stronger.

He continued to teach but also began to focus on a career in the media, clinching a job with BBC Radio Merseyside in 1975.

He became a BBC TV summariser in 1979, joining forces with another household name, Eddie 'Up and Under' Waring.

Ray took over the commentaries himself two years later and continues to head BBC's coverage of the Challenge Cup.

And he will be reporting for the BBC again on Saturday when Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls meet in this year's final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.