LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Did anyone honestly, genuinely, heart of hearts believe the Broncos could beat Penrith?
On Sunday, Adam Reynolds and his team charged onto Suncorp Stadium like a squad that truly believed in their chances, and in the end, that was all that mattered.
Regardless of what critics say, the Brisbane Broncos have an impressive ability to attract crowds. The 52,491 fans in attendance, clad mostly in yellow, white, and maroon, roared their support for the team, igniting the hopes of a proud sporting city. Adam Reynolds, testing a troublesome hamstring, treated the tunnel as if it were an Olympic running track, while the city's sporting community was still basking in the euphoria from the Lions' victory over the Cats just a day earlier. The atmosphere reached levels beyond even those of State of Origin matches as a sense of opportunity radiated throughout the future Olympic city, which seemed perfectly in line with its six-time premiership-winning home team.
Penrith's downfall came after a near-flawless first half, and the only reason they relinquished a 14-point lead was sheer enthusiasm. The Broncos harnessed the deep-seated passion of their roster and the unwavering belief of both the club and its fans, discovering a high gear that the four-time champions simply could not match. While other teams have faltered in the past, and bigger comebacks have been made, this particular moment felt unique, and it has become a trend at precisely the right time of the season. Credit is due to Michael Maguire for this remarkable turnaround.
Amid the joy of the Broncos returning to the final and the emotional weight of this significant victory over a formidable opponent at such a vital moment, it's important to acknowledge that for nearly 70 minutes, the outcome seemed far from attainable. The unfolding result silenced critics who were ready to pounce on Red Hill and Maguire for 2025, despite the fact that a Grand Final remains ahead.
However, stripping away the emotional layers reveals that this outcome has meaningful implications for both Penrith and Brisbane.
So how did it unfold?