Hadley pays tribute to "best
mate"

Speaking for the first time since his best friend and colleague passed away last night, Radio 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley has this afternoon been brought to tears while recounting memories of veteran writer Peter Frilingos.

Frilingos, Chief Rugby League writer at the Daily Telegraph, passed away last night after suffering a massive heart attack.

Hadley was too upset to go on air for his regular morning program today, with Channel Ten sports reporter Tim Webster filling in for him.

This afternoon, Hadley spoke to Phillip Clarke on 2GB and said he was deeply saddened by the loss of Frilingos, who was a member of the network?s Continuous Call Team.

Earlier, he had written a tribute to his friend, which in part said: ?For the last 18 years we spoke every day, half the time we argued about football, the other half he lectured me about doing the right thing by my family. Chippy was my mentor.

?He wasn?t all that much older than me but when I started working with him, he was an established and recognised rugby league journalist and commentator.

?He took me under his wing. Chippy helped mould my career. He was one of a kind. We?d be at each other for six hours Saturday and Sunday on radio then on the way home have a discussion about matters totally unrelated to rugby league.?

Hadley said that Frilingos would not be replaced on the Continuous Call Team and his chair would remain vacant for the Saturday program, which is presented from the 2GB studios.

2GB General Manager, Ms Louise Barrett, said Peter Frilingos' contribution to 2GB and the sport of Rugby League was invaluable.

"It is devastating news. Peter was a household name in rugby league and an integral part of the 2GB family

"He covered Rugby League for 40 years, longer than any other commentator in the country, and he worked with Ray Hadley for 18 years

"Our deepest sympathies are with his wife, Maureen, and his family at this difficult time."