Darryl Brohman

Darryl “The Big Marn” Brohman is a larger-than-life personality with an extraordinary rugby league tale.

A clever, ball-playing forward, Brohman earned first grade selection for Brisbane Norths in 1974, while still a student at Wavell High, from where he had represented Queensland Schoolboys.

Brohman was awarded the Rothmans Gold Medal as Brisbane Rugby League's Best and Fairest in 1976, with former Great Britain Test skipper, Tommy Bishop later describing him as the most skilful Australian forward he had ever seen.

Brohman, who was also a capable goal kicker, played for Queensland against Great Britain in 1977, and captained Norths in a number of games. In 1979 he signed with Penrith, where he remained for five seasons.

Once again showcasing his leadership, Brohman was named captain in 1982, and made his Origin debut the following year, only to have his representative career stopped in its tracks when he suffered a broken jaw, as a result of a high shot from New South Wales' forward, Les Boyd, who was later suspended for a year. 

I'm sure Darryl would have played for Australia, except for that broken jaw."

Queensland coach Arthur Beetson FOG #1

Brohman switched to Canterbury in 1984, and featured in the Bulldogs' 6-4 win over Parramatta in the Sydney grand final. He returned to Penrith in 1986, and was recalled to the Queensland side for the second match of the series, at the SCG.

In 1987, he won a reserve grade premiership with Penrith, under the coaching of Graham Murray. In 1988 he coached the Broncos' reserve grade in the club's inaugural season. He coached at Canterbury-Bankstown under Phil Gould in 1989, before following Gould to Penrith, as an adviser.

After being invited to call a Penrith match for a Sydney radio station, Brohman focused his attention on the media, and has become one of radio and television's great personalities, while also providing insightful commentary on the game.

He has always found time to give back to the community, notably as an ambassador for the Starlight Foundation.