Manly legend and popular rugby league broadcaster John Gibbs has stepped away from the microphone after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.The 70-year-old former halfback will take a temporary break from his role with ABC Sport while he focuses on his health and begins treatment.Gibbs was on the sidelines for the ABC’s coverage of Parramatta’s 16-13 victory over the Wests Tigers on Sunday, with few listeners aware he had been unwell.ABC Sport’s chief rugby league commentator, Andrew Moore, announced his close friend’s diagnosis on Monday night.’John Gibbs called me this afternoon to confirm something he had been fearing for a while,’ an emotional Moore said.’He has been diagnosed with cancer. He has asked me to let you know. He has been feeling off for a couple of months … lack of hunger, energy. He has lost 10 per cent of his body weight.’ John Gibbs has temporarily stepped away from ABC Sport duties after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma this week The former Manly halfback will meet specialists on Friday to learn more about his planned cancer treatment program’You’d never know he was suffering. He knows he is in for a fight and up to it.’I called my first ever game with him in the 1990s. I get a great kick out of working with him.’We are family. As I discovered a year ago. The weight of support from the ABC team – executives, colleagues, listeners. It’s significant, it’s powerful. It’s amazing and it helps.’He won’t be working with us this weekend. We don’t know what the rest of the season looks like.’Spare a thought for our mate John Gibbs. Get well, mate. We love you.’Gibbs is expected to meet with specialists on Friday to learn more about his treatment plan.The former Sea Eagles star retired in 1981 after playing 87 matches for the club across six seasons.Born in Manly, Gibbs progressed through the club’s junior ranks before making his first-grade debut in 1976. Gibbs was still working on Sunday when Parramatta recorded a 16-13 victory over Wests Tigers in Sydney’s west Gibbs played 87 matches for the Sea Eagles between 1976 and 1981 before injury ended his career prematurelyHe represented NSW in 1978 and was selected for Australia’s Kangaroo tour that year, although he did not appear in a Test.His playing career ended prematurely due to injury, but he soon became one of the most recognisable voices in Sydney sports radio.Gibbs has worked with 2UE, 2GB and ABC Sport during a broadcasting career spanning four decades. He has also called rugby union and appeared regularly on television.He was part of 2UE’s Sports Today program before joining 2GB’s rugby league coverage with Darryl Brohman and Jon Harker in 2000.Gibbs later became a regular member of the ABC Sport rugby league team alongside Moore, Luke Lewis, Matthew Elliott and Tim Gavel.He was inducted into the Northern Beaches Sporting Hall of Fame in 2003 and recently joined former colleagues for the Continuous Call Team’s 40th anniversary celebrations.News of his diagnosis prompted an outpouring of support from listeners who have followed his playing and broadcasting careers.’Horrible news, we were all shocked to the bones last year with Andrew Moore and now Gibbsy,’ one fan wrote.’When you listen and laugh and spend so much time with these guys on the radio, it really feels personal. Good luck with the fight, John Gibbs.’Another listener wrote: ‘Get well soon, Gibbsy! Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Weekends won’t be the same without you!’A longtime friend said Gibbs had the strength to overcome the diagnosis.’Thinking of you & your family, Gibbsy. I’ve known you for almost 40 years and I’m positive you will beat this, thanks to your spirit & resilience,’ he wrote.Another supporter recalled the speed, distinctive playing style and personality Gibbs brought from the football field into the commentary box.’I love listening to Gibbsy. He is just the same bloke who could run and score tries with his socks down and that hair!’ the fan wrote.’His sense of humour and enthusiasm in the commentary are always a joy to listen to. We wish him well.’