ABC stalwarts H.G. Nelson (Greig Pickhaver) and "Rampaging" Roy Slaven (John Doyle) are leaving the national broadcaster for the world of commercial radio.

Triple J announced last night that after 22 years of presenting iconic programs such as This Sporting Life, Festival Of The Boot, Golden Ring Show and coverage of the 2007 federal election, the two would leave the network. It is believed they are close to a deal with Triple M.

Triple J manager Linda Bracken said in a statement: "They are more than a radio program, they have become their own radio comedy genre. It's been a joy and a privilege to work with them. They will be missed but we wish them all the best."