Popular rugby league figure Darryl “Big Marn” Brohman has revealed he is suffering from cancer.
Speaking to 2GB host Mark Levy on Thursday, the former Footy Show personality confirmed he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
The 69-year-old said the prognosis is positive and he has begun chemotherapy.
“I have been a bit crook for the last six weeks or so and I have been diagnosed with a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,” Brohman told 2GB.
“It’s a form of cancer and I have started treatment today. I start chemo on Monday, and there’s about a 21 day period between the chemos and there are about six or seven that I’ve got to do.
“It’s not great news but if there is any good news from a cancer perspective it’s probably on the lower scale, and everyone I speak to says it is very treatable – so I’m pretty positive that I’ll be alright.”
This marks Brohman’s second battle with a serious illness.
In 2010, he underwent surgery after being diagnosed with prostate cancer and made a full recovery.
Brohman said he had been experiencing ongoing discomfort before doctors identified the cause.
“I was a bit crook in the stomach and I just felt a bit heavy and I just went and got tested, I have probably been tested about seven or eight times,” he said.
“They had to form an accurate opinion of what it was.”
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support across the rugby league community.
2GB’s Continuous Call Team wrote on X, “We’re all with you, Big Marn. Darryl Brohman has confirmed he’s undergoing treatment to address a cancer battle, revealing he’s been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.”
Sports commentator Col Irwin posted, “My thoughts and best wishes for therealbigmarn. Hope for a speedy recovery.”
Mark Wright added, “Sad news. Wishing the big marn well”.
With treatment now underway, Brohman will step back from on-air duties at 2GB.
Nine Radio station manager Greg Byrnes said the network expects to welcome him back once he has fully recovered.
“The entire Nine Radio family is sending its heartfelt support and best wishes to Darryl Brohman as he faces his upcoming health battle,” Byrnes said in a statement.
“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.”
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