Rugby league icon and media personality Darryl Brohman has revealed a devastating cancer diagnosis coming less than a week after experiencing one of life's happiest moments - his daughter's wedding.
From Wedding Joy to Health Battle
The 69-year-old former representative prop, affectionately known as 'Big Marn', shared that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymphatic system. This shocking news emerged just days after he walked his daughter Lizzie down the aisle during her northern beaches Sydney wedding.
Brohman confessed to feeling unwell for approximately six weeks before receiving the formal diagnosis. Despite his health concerns, the devoted father chose to keep his condition private to ensure nothing overshadowed his daughter's special day.
Treatment Timeline and Positive Outlook
The much-loved sports personality will begin his first round of chemotherapy at St George Public Hospital on November 24. He outlined his treatment plan during an emotional interview with 2GB's Mark Levy, explaining there will be about 21 days between each session, with six or seven treatments scheduled overall.
Despite the challenging diagnosis, Brohman remains remarkably optimistic about his recovery prospects. "If there is any good news from a cancer perspective, it's probably on the lower scale," he told listeners. "Everyone I speak to says it is very treatable - so I'm pretty positive that I'll be all right."
Previous Health Battles and Rugby Career
This isn't Brohman's first encounter with serious health issues. The resilient sportsman previously battled prostate cancer in 2010, undergoing successful surgery and making a full recovery from that earlier scare.
During his distinguished rugby career spanning 1979 to 1987, Brohman played 114 first grade games for clubs including Penrith and Canterbury. His achievements include:
- Winning a premiership with the Bulldogs in 1984
- Representing Queensland in two State of Origin games
- Surviving a notorious 1983 incident where he suffered a broken jaw from Les Boyd's elbow
The injury from that 1983 Queensland debut game sidelined Brohman for the remainder of the season, while Boyd received a record 12-month suspension for the violent act.
Brohman now faces his latest challenge with characteristic determination, focusing on recovery before hopefully returning to his media work in time for the 2026 NRL season.
