Les Boyd Inducted into NRL Hall of Fame

In a significant moment for rugby league, Les Boyd has been announced as one of the latest players to join the NRL Hall of Fame. This announcement, made by the NRL, came on Wednesday and highlighted Boyd’s reputation as one of the toughest players of the 1970s and 1980s.

Boyd represented Australia in 17 Test matches and is remembered for his formidable presence on the field. However, not everyone is thrilled about his induction. Darryl Brohman, a former rival, publicly expressed his discontent on Twitter.

Brohman referred to an infamous incident in 1983 when Boyd broke his jaw during a State of Origin match. Boyd received a 9-month suspension for that incident, along with a 12-month ban for eye-gouging another player, Billy Johnston. Brohman reminded everyone of this history when he tweeted about the induction.

Despite the controversy, the NRL’s Hall of Fame committee, which made its decisions in July, received support from ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys. He praised the inductees, stating they represent the best of the best across different eras of the game.

Notably, Boyd’s journey in rugby began with the Western Suburbs Magpies in 1976. He quickly made a name for himself, even playing for the Australian Test team by 1978. After four years with the Magpies, Boyd moved to the rival Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, where he played until 1984 before heading to Warrington in the UK.

Alongside Boyd, Ben Elias, another tough player, was also recognized in this year’s group of inductees. He played a key role in changing the way hookers performed in the game, ending his career with 235 matches for Balmain and numerous honors.