Darryl Brohman’s 40-year feud with Les Boyd erupts over controversial hard man’s NRL Hall of Fame nod
Darryl Brohman has hit out at the NRL over Les Boyd’s entry into the Hall of Fame, furious over the so-called hard man’s on-field record of foul play.
Brohman took to social media on Wednesday night to criticise the Hall of Fame selection, in the latest chapter of an ongoing feud between he and Boyd.
Boyd was banned for nine months in 1983 when he broke Brohman’s jaw with a swinging arm, spoiling the Queenslander’s State of Origin debut.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Brohman later attempted to sue the NSW forward, with the pair reaching an out-of-court settlement.
It was one of a number of incidents through Boyd’s career, including an eye-gouging charge in 1984 that effectively ended his career in Australia.
“Les Boyd…..9 Months suspension for breaking my Jaw in 1983,” Brohman posted on X.
“12 Months for Eye gouging Billy Johnston……Gets inducted into the Rugby League Hall of Fame. Please!!!!”
Boyd himself also threatened to sue Brohman in 2007, after the former Queensland representative asked Boyd’s wife if she felt he was an “embarrassment” on live radio.
Boyd was one of 11 men’s players appointed to the Hall of Fame on Wednesday, alongside modern-day greats Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Benji Marshall, Johnathan Thurston, Sam Burgess and Greg Inglis.
In a media release confirming his appointment, the NRL labelled Boyd as one of the game’s hard men.
“Boyd was one of the game’s hard men during one of the toughest eras, in the 1970s and 1980s, representing Australia in 17 Test matches,” the league said.
According to the NRL’s official website, players are considered for the Hall of Fame based on their “outstanding feats on and off the field” through their careers.
To be eligible, players must have completed the majority of their career in Australia and have been retired for at least five years.
The NRL then use a combination of metrics from a player’s career, a screening committee and voting panel to determine new entrants to the Hall of Fame.
