Sky Sports activities at this time confirms the extremely unhappy information that legendary Sky Sports activities rugby league commentator, Invoice Arthur, has died on the age of 68 after a protracted battle with prostate most cancers.
Invoice died peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his household and impressed many together with his brave battle in opposition to the illness which he was recognized with in 2011.
Invoice was a much-loved and revered member of the Sky Sports activities household who will likely be missed terribly by his buddies and colleagues. Everybody at Sky Sports activities sends their heartfelt condolences to Invoice’s loved-ones and ask that their privateness is revered at this troublesome time.
Starting his journalism profession in newspapers in South Yorkshire, Invoice labored for the Barnsley Star and Sheffield Star earlier than transitioning into radio, working for Metro Radio in Newcastle and Radio Metropolis in Liverpool.
He then moved into breakfast tv with TV AM and labored for Champion TV because the North West reporter. From 1990, he labored on The Sports activities Channel which then went on to develop into Sky Sports activities the next 12 months.
Though hailing from Leamington Spa, he was a devoted rugby league fan and within the early Nineteen Nineties grew to become the common pitchside reporter for stay matches and have reporter for the journal programme Boots ‘N’ All.
Invoice was a part of the protection of the courageous new world of summer time rugby and Tremendous League proper from the very begin too.
In his position pitchside, he was there at Stade Charlety to witness the delivery of a brand new period as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Sheffield Eagles 30-24 in entrance of a crowd of 18,000.
Two years later, he was fulfilling the identical place at Outdated Trafford for the primary Tremendous League Grand Closing and would go on to work on each version of the competitors’s showpiece event as much as the tip of the 2023 season.
Invoice would progress from pitchside to the commentary field as nicely, commentating on the Academy League with Phil Clarke within the late Nineteen Nineties, and he was additionally the lead commentator for Sky’s Championship protection from 2007 to 2012, working alongside Barrie McDermott and Terry O’Connor.
He ultimately stepped as much as develop into Sky Sports activities’ lead rugby league commentator following Eddie Hemmings’ retirement in April 2019.
His time behind the microphone included calling Gareth O’Brien’s golden-point drop purpose within the 2016 Million Pound Sport which noticed Salford Crimson Devils safe Tremendous League survival on the expense of Hull KR, and the emotional second Rob Burrow entered the sector in his ultimate recreation for Leeds Rhinos in opposition to Bradford Bulls in 2020.
Maybe most memorably although, he was readily available to name the dramatic conclusion to that 12 months’s Grand Closing, the place a 19-year-old Jack Welsby snatched victory for St Helens over Wigan Warriors on the final play of the sport.
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Invoice Arthur was behind the mic for the conclusion to the 2020 Grand Closing when Jack Welsby snatched victory for St Helens in opposition to Wigan on the final play of the sport
Commentating on his beloved Catalans Dragons’ runs to the Grand Finals of 2021 and 2023 had been undoubtedly highlights as nicely, though in every of these deciders he would see them defeated by St Helens and Wigan Warriors respectively.
Jonathan Licht, Managing Director of Sky Sports activities, mentioned: “We are truly saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Bill Arthur.
“Invoice has been a mainstay of Sky Sports activities’ rugby league protection for the final 30 years. I need to specific my private gratitude to Invoice for his unwavering dedication to Sky, in addition to the eagerness and devotion he delivered to our viewers and followers of the game.
“I know that Bill will be greatly missed by those who were lucky enough to work with him, and I would like to extend my condolences to Bill’s wife, Cherry, and his family for their loss.”
He’s survived by his spouse Cherry and kids, Simon, Meredith, Equipment and Nancy.
Tribute from former Sky Sports activities Rugby League commentator Eddie Hemmings
Invoice Arthur… what a professional!
I first got here into contact with Invoice after I was at BBC Radio Merseyside in Liverpool. Invoice was within the ‘opposition camp’ at Radio Metropolis.
When Champion TV was launched within the late 1980’s our paths crossed once more – Invoice was the North West reporter for the BSB Sports activities Channel – I used to be recruited to commentate and current the rugby league programmes – The Massive League – and when Sky took over BSB, Invoice adopted into the rugby league division and for a few years was our touchline reporter, whereas additionally producing some great characteristic tales for the midweek journal programme Boots ‘N’ All.
As the sport expanded on Sky, Invoice’s commentary abilities had been delivered to bear as he referred to as the Academy video games with former Wigan and Nice Britain captain Phil Clarke, figuring out most of the younger gamers who later went on to play within the Tremendous League when it was a based in 1996.
This was the place Invoice’s profession blossomed – he was the primary commentator for a few years of the Catalans Dragons video games from the South of France and was a key member of the Sky Sports activities groups that launched into Australian excursions protecting Nice Britain Lions and latterly England Internationals. His commentary abilities grew as he referred to as League One matches.
In 2006 we had been in the midst of the Tri-Nations tour Down Below and Invoice was tasked with jetting again house to England. Twenty-four hours later he was calling a match at Widnes after which was instantly again on a aircraft for his return to Sydney, to proceed the Tri Nations Tour! It hardly took a feather out of him.
He additionally travelled to the opposite facet of the world in 2002 to witness and describe Nice Britain’s enormous defeat in a one-off Check in opposition to the Aussies additionally in Sydney. A troublesome activity for any English fan to bear – however he carried it off magnificently.
For a number of years in spite of everything of this, Invoice was commentating usually on Tremendous League video games, Magic Weekends, Championship Grand Finals and the like – so when in 2019 I hung up the mic for the final time he moved into the Tremendous League lead commentator’s chair effortlessly.
He was the person who described, so gloriously, the drama of St Helens’ last-minute attempt that received the Grand Closing at Hull in a very empty stadium in opposition to Wigan within the fast aftermath of the Covid pandemic – a troublesome job accomplished brilliantly in opposition to the backdrop of empty seats and terraces.
However maybe Invoice’s biggest battle got here when – like me – he was recognized with prostate most cancers. His braveness in taking up the illness head on was an inspiration to males like me, who adopted him each step of the best way.
He helped me battle the illness, which has now cruelly taken him from us, and I’ll always remember his help and the sound recommendation he gave me. Such a courageous man.
Relaxation in peace Billy-Boy – your legacy will stay on ceaselessly.
Tribute from former Sky Sports activities Rugby League summariser Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson
It’s a nice disappointment to study of the passing away of our dearest buddy and colleague Invoice Arthur.
He was an enormous on this planet of broadcasting at Sky TV and will likely be missed by everybody who knew him.
Invoice was an easy-going one that within the a few years that I labored with him by no means misplaced his mood and had a everlasting smile regardless of the situation – which at occasions was typically difficult.
To say he cherished rugby league was an understatement and his potential to convey out the very best when interviewing gamers, coaches and even loyal followers was a pleasure to behold.
His commentaries behind the microphone had been a delight to the ear – correct and truthful, however not afraid to talk the reality.
He knew the right way to get pleasure from life too and I’ll always remember the numerous occasions after the stress of broadcasting video games we’d have a drink or two, or possibly three or extra, both means, it was at all times a deal with to talk about life, though his style in music was means above my understanding!
At some point he rang me and advised me that the nice Martin Offiah had introduced out a document and urged we must always write a tune too!
For sure I laughed it off however Invoice was adamant so we did and performed it out stay on our midweek present Boots ‘n’ All and lots of followers wrote in and mentioned it was a lot better that Martin’s effort!
Invoice will likely be missed however by no means forgotten, so relaxation in Peace my buddy, sing out loud in heaven!
Tribute from Sky Sports activities Rugby League pundit Barrie McDermott
After I first began the journey with Sky Sports activities Rugby League, Invoice was the trusted pitchside reporter.
Every week he discovered a smile and amusing while moist and chilly however by no means depressing. All people knew him, everyone trusted him, and with ardour and enthusiasm he appeared to at all times ask the proper questions on the proper time.
As my position at Sky grew my time with the crew grew; Invoice drew the quick straw and was given the duty of mentoring (babysitting) Terry O’Connor and myself. We would typically discover ourselves in the midst of nowhere, attempting to assemble a humorous sketch for Boots ‘N’ All or an informative information piece to spotlight what was occurring in our sport. Leaning on Invoice’s expertise and, most of all steering, he at all times hit the proper mark.
Thursday evening grew to become Championship Rugby League evening so it meant Invoice, Terry, and myself up and right down to all of the Championship golf equipment who had been at all times completely satisfied to see us, however primarily Invoice who appeared to know everyone; or they knew him!
That is the factor; you will not hear anyone have a foul phrase for Invoice as a result of he was cherished and revered in equal measure. He was at all times there to assist others and had a gentle spot for the far reaches of our recreation.
I rely myself very lucky to be a type of individuals who listened and discovered from him. I am going to at all times be pleased about his steering, help and his friendship through the years.
RIP Invoice.
Tribute from Sky Sports activities Rugby League pundit Terry O’Connor
The sport has misplaced a real gent.
Invoice wasn’t introduced up with rugby league, however he quickly fell in love with it and the sport with him.
I met him after I was nonetheless taking part in and it is truthful to say he at all times sorted me. By no means did he make me or my fellow team-mates really feel uncomfortable in our pre or put up match interviews.
A smiling pleasant face would strategy you after the sport and also you knew you had been going to be in protected arms. If Invoice knew that sooner or later he needed to put up with myself and Barrie he may’ve modified together with his mild strategy in direction of us.
I by no means as soon as heard Invoice complain about his sickness within the years since his prognosis even when at occasions I knew he was doing it robust.
He at all times mentioned he was fortunate to be concerned within the sport. All I can say to that’s the sport was fortunate to have him in it.
It was a privilege and an honour to work with one of many true gents of our recreation.
Invoice, you will be missed by so many. RIP mate.
Tribute from Sky Sports activities Rugby League commentator Stuart Pyke
Invoice was the final word skilled and the loyalest of buddies. A broadcaster who was vastly revered and a mate who was vastly cherished.
His commentary of Jack Welsby’s last-second attempt to win the 2020 Tremendous League Grand Closing will ceaselessly be one of the vital iconic moments within the historical past of the game.
His contribution to rugby league is immeasurable.
Tribute from former Sky Sports activities Rugby League reporter Angela Powers
Invoice was the final word skilled when it got here to his job; his colleagues and the many individuals he interviewed and labored with through the years will agree, I am certain.
I am fortunate sufficient to have identified him as rather more than that – a person with an excellent, fast humour, a person with an unbelievable energy and stoicism as he lived together with his situation, however most of all, a person who was type.
Thanks, Invoice, for being a buddy and a task mannequin. My ideas are with Cherry and his household.
