Ray Hadley’s son-in-law hit by coward punch from Payne Haas relative

Larry Taufua, the uncle of Brisbane behemoth Payne Haas, has copped a 12 week suspension for this shocking on-field attack in a bush footy league game.

The son-in-law of 2GB broadcaster Ray Hadley has been king-hit in a shocking rugby league incident that forced a game to be abandoned.

And the player who ran 30 metres to throw the punch – that has been captured on video - is Larry Taufua, the uncle of NRL star Payne Haas.

He has since been banned by the NSW Rugby League judiciary for 12 weeks.

Brad Clark, Hadley’s son-in-law, was punched, first by Larry’s brother and former NRL player Mark, and then king hit from behind by Larry.

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Brad Clark with wife, Laura, and their children. Credit: Facebook.

Clark reported the incident to police but decided against pressing charges.

Clark is a former Canterbury Bulldogs junior who was playing for Dora Creek against Woodberry Warriors in an A Grade match in the Newcastle and Hunter community competition.

Larry Taufua (far left) and Mark Taufua (far right) at a jersey presentation. Credit: Facebook.

Hadley declined to comment when contacted by the Sunday Telegraph.

His daughter Laura is married to Clark. They have two of Hadley’s five grandchildren.

Clark sought medical treatment for concussion the next day and was sent for brain scans.

He suffered headaches for a week but was cleared of a long-term brain injury.

The two major players involved in the fight, Larry and Mark Taufua, are the brothers of Haas’ mother, who was jailed last month after pleading to punching and spitting at security staff at Gold Coast casino.

Brad Clark with NSW Origin star Damien Cook. Credit: Facebook

They are also both captain-coaches of the side.

The video shows both teams initially being separated by the referee after a flare-up.

However when play resumed, Clark flew out of the line and put a shot on Mark, instigating an all-in brawl and prompting Larry to run in from distance and punch his blindsided target.

Larry, a former Newcastle Knights junior, was hit with a grade-four striking charge for coming from a distance to become involved in a fight.

He was banned for 16 weeks, later reduced to 12 weeks after a guilty plea.

His brother Mark, who played 88 NRL games in stints at Newcastle and Cronulla between 2007-2013, was suspended for three matches for throwing the first punch.

Mark Taufua played 67 NRL games for the Knights. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Two other players also copped one-game bans for their role in the brawl, which was sparked after a try in the 28-12 win by Dora Creek.

“NSWRL does not tolerate any form of violence,” NSWRL boss David Trodden said.

“It has no place in our game and the charges and suspensions that arose from this incident reflect that stance.”

Both teams again face off in the grand final this weekend, minus the suspended Larry Taufua.

Originally published as Ray Hadley’s son-in-law hit by coward punch from Payne Haas relative