Mark Broadhurst recounts...

[globaleagle]

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A former Manly front-rower has broken a 20-year silence to reveal how a pre-game taunt from his opposition prop led to the most violent and notorious brawl in rugby league history.

Ex-Sea Eagles prop Mark Broadhurst, one of the main protagonists of the fight between Manly and Newtown in a 1981 elimination semi-final at the SCG, claimed it was an alleged pre-game threat from Jets prop Steve Bowden that triggered the 1min 45sec brawl.

While all 26 players were involved in six separate on-field melees, the main bout was between Broadhurst and Bowden, two of the hardest props of their generation.

 

[DUFFMAN]

That happened today you would have the whole team suspended for a season with massive fines.

 

[Bulli Eagle]

What a good blue

 

[maxta]

Copped his medicine- good fight but Broady soon learned a footy field is not a boxing ring

 

[Shoe1]

That happened today you would have the whole team suspended for a season with massive fines.

Manly were rattled by the blue, didn’t start playing footy until it was too late.

 

[Chip and Chase]

Copped his medicine- good fight but Broady soon learned a footy field is not a boxing ring

Yep, no headbutting in a boxing ring. Bowden dropped him with a massive Liverpool kiss and then piled in when he was on the ground. That did all the damage.

 

[skull61]

Steve Bowden eh. Used to drink at his pub in Hurstville back in the day. Good fella but pretty cheap

 

[JenEagle]

Sounds like broady is doing it tough now thanks to all the head knocks he took. Best wishes to the brave old warrior. He did our jersey proud and never took a backward step when he played in the maroon and white.

 

[wombatgc]

That happened today you would have the whole team suspended for a season with massive fines.

They should have a "Anything goes" round. Guaranteed the games would be packed.

 

[maxta]

Yep, no headbutting in a boxing ring. Bowden dropped him with a massive Liverpool kiss and then piled in when he was on the ground. That did all the damage.

I was an aggressive young kid and hoping Broadhurst would smash the entire Bluebag pack...but we were beaten up everywhere including the scoreboard
My favourite players at the time was Les Boyd who is still an all time favourite and Chris Close in the centres....just lost out that day by a brutal team....still wonder if we olay Eels 1981...could have won 1982 and 1983 also....but with Kenny, Sterling, Zip, Crinin and Groth....maybe not??