Darryl ‘Big Man’ Brohman – NRL Legend and Media Star

In this episode of Chiming In, Chimes is joined by Darryl Brohman, affectionately known as the Big Man, one of rugby league’s most beloved characters. Brohman reflects on his journey from a Brisbane schoolboy star playing first grade to his long-running media career on The Footy Show and radio, tracing how football, broadcasting and a larger-than-life personality came together over several decades.​​

Early days and an unusual start

Brohman grew up in a football-mad family in Brisbane, spending his childhood watching games at Lang Park and dreaming of life on the field. His talent was obvious from a young age, and he was turning out in first grade for Norths while still in his final year of high school. Despite his rise in rugby league, his original ambition had nothing to do with sport or media; he wanted to become a vet because of his love of animals, but he laughs that he simply wasn’t quite clever enough academically to make it happen.​​

The banking years and a sledgehammer scare

Before his profile in the media took off, Brohman worked for the Bank of New South Wales, now Westpac, and rose to become head teller at a branch in Penrith. He recounts a dramatic day when he looked out the back of the bank to see a man attempting to smash through the rear door with a sledgehammer. Terrified, he bolted into the walk‑in safe and stayed there, waiting it out until the intruder eventually gave up and left. Although he had been issued a gun as part of his role, he admits he never even thought about using it, leaving it in his drawer and deciding he wanted no part in trying to confront the would‑be robber.​

Rugby league highlights and the 1984 Grand Final

On the field, Brohman’s career took him from Norths in Brisbane to Penrith and then on to the Canterbury Bulldogs. He speaks fondly of the 1984 Grand Final win with Canterbury and jokes about his shameless tactics during the celebrations, recalling how he elbowed one of the Mortimer brothers aside so he could hoist captain Steve Mortimer onto his shoulders for the iconic post‑match photos. He also laughs about his short‑lived time on the Broncos coaching staff under Wayne Bennett, claiming—very much tongue in cheek—that Bennett sacked him after one season because he was a “threat” to the head coach’s job, before conceding he probably wasn’t the most disciplined or conventional coach at the time.​​

The Footy Show and the ‘Big Man’ persona

Brohman explains that the nickname ‘Big Man’ was coined by Ray Hadley during their radio days, after Brohman started putting on a fake American accent on air and the name simply stuck. He went on to spend about a decade on The Footy Show, becoming a household name through a mix of humour, self‑deprecation and classic rugby league storytelling. He singles out Paul “Fatty” Vautin as the most naturally gifted performer he has ever seen in front of a camera and recalls a string of chaotic travel segments, including snapping a campervan table he tried to sleep on and watching Vautin accidentally peel the roof off the van driving back into the Channel 9 studios.​​

Health scares and the importance of checks

On a more serious note, Brohman speaks candidly about his battle with prostate cancer, which was picked up during a routine blood test despite him feeling fine at the time. He urges men not to wait for symptoms and to get regular checks, emphasising that a simple test quite literally saved his life. In typical fashion, he leavens the subject with humour, telling how he later discovered he was covered for a sizeable insurance payout after his operation and used that unexpected windfall to help buy a house.​

Reflections on the modern game and legacy

Asked about the greats of the sport, Brohman names Wally Lewis as the best player he has ever seen, citing the Maroons legend’s ability to dominate at the very highest levels, particularly in Origin and Test football. Among today’s stars, he picks Reece Walsh as a genuine “genius” of the game, thrilled by the fullback’s flair and instinct. As for how he hopes to be remembered, Brohman keeps it simple: he wants people to think of him as a good teammate and a “pretty handy” player who never tried to be anyone other than himself.​

‍Watch the full video on Fanatics TV.