LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Currently, only three players are recognized as premiership-winning halfbacks for the Brisbane Broncos. If Adam Reynolds succeeds in leading the team to victory on Sunday, he will join this exclusive group; until then, it remains just the trio.
Among them, two are easily recognized: Allan Langer, the beloved figure of the Broncos and a lasting icon in Brisbane, even 25 years post-retirement, and Kevin Walters, who also enjoys significant recognition.
The third member of this elite group is Shane Perry, a less conventional hero. Unlike Langer and Walters, who still attract attention on the streets, Perry often goes unnoticed.
Yet, every so often, dedicated fans realize they're in the presence of one of the most unexpected premiership heroes in the history of the Broncos, and that recognition brings Perry joy.
"It happens occasionally. The tried and true Broncos supporters, they remember and they pull me up," Perry shared. "It's always a good feeling. It's a special group to be a part of, and to think they haven't won one in 19 years, it just shows how hard it is to get there and win one."
Perry's journey in the NRL began with modest roots. He earned the title of player of the year in the Queensland Cup in 1998 while playing for the Logan Scorpions. This achievement led him to sign with the Western Suburbs in Sydney.
He made his NRL debut the following season as part of a Magpies team that faced significant challenges in its final standalone year. Despite their enthusiasm, the team struggled tremendously, managing only three victories and conceding a record 944 points.