Rugby league legend and beloved 2GB voice Darryl “Big Marn” Brohman has shared he is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Speaking candidly with colleague Mark Levy on-air this morning, Brohman revealed the past six weeks had involved a series of medical tests before receiving the news.
“I’ve been a bit crook for the past six weeks or so and I’ve finally gotten some tests done and I’ve been diagnosed with a Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” he told Levy.
“Between you and me I don’t really understand what it is but it is a form of cancer I understand. I’ve started treatment today and I’ve got to start chemo on Monday and I think it is about a 21 day period between the chemos and there is about 6 or 7 I have to do.”
Despite the diagnosis, Brohman remained positive.
“From my perspective it’s not great news but if there is any good news, it’s that from a cancer perspective it is probably on the lower scale and anyone I speak to who knows says it’s very treatable so I’m pretty positive that I’ll be alright which is good news.”
Brohman said the symptoms began with abdominal discomfort. “It was in my stomach. I was a bit crook in the stomach, I felt a bit heavy in the stomach.
“I had that many tests I didn’t know if I was Arthur or Marthur,” he joked.
He also spoke about the support from those closest to him, saying the diagnosis had pulled his family even closer.
“She’s a different woman in the last few days, she’s very loving,” he said of his partner, noting her response had been immediate and unwavering. “She’s taken some time off work and has driven me around to various appointments.”
The timing has made the past week particularly emotional. Brohman explained his daughter was married just days earlier, and while the family should still be riding the high of the celebration, life had other plans.
“My daughter got married last Friday, so it sort of came at a bad time,” he said.
Brohman previously beat cancer and remains confident he will do so again.
“I’m very positive that I’ll be all right, just a matter of going through all the yucky stuff you’ve got to go through. Chemo doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, but… I’m just gonna lay low for a few months, do what I’ve got to do, and hopefully come out completely healthy.”
Looking ahead, Brohman said he hopes to return to footy commentary in 2026 but will be following medical advice.
“I’ll be guided by my doctors. I’ll probably lay low for a few months and see what happens. I’d like to think I’ll be back for the start. I was actually going to take a tour to Las Vegas but I’ve had to can that. I’m hoping I’ll be around for the opening stages of the season.”
2GB station manager and national content manager Greg Byrnes said Brohman’s colleagues and listeners stand firmly behind him.
“The entire Nine Radio family is sending its heartfelt support and best wishes to Darryl Brohman as he faces his upcoming health battle. We know ‘The Big Marn’ is up to the challenge, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the Continuous Call Team when he is fully recovered in 2026.”
Brohman remains one of Australia’s most loved rugby league personalities. Before his radio career, Brohman made 114 first-grade NRL appearances for Penrith and Canterbury, winning a premiership with the Bulldogs in the mid-80s.
He played two State of Origin games for Queensland and was widely regarded as unlucky not to represent Australia before an infamous 1983 tackle left him with a broken jaw.
After football, Brohman became a household name on 2GB and Channel 9’s Footy Show, and starred in long-running Lowes menswear ads. He continues to support charities including the Sydney Children’s Hospital and the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Known for his humour, storytelling and heart, Brohman’s presence has long been a fixture in Australian sport broadcasting. As news spreads, waves of support from fans, colleagues and the rugby league community are already pouring in.
