LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In 2015, the Brisbane Broncos were on the verge of glory, just moments away from securing their eighth grand final win.
The reporters were ready to write their triumphant headlines, and the champagne was being prepared for celebration.
However, their dreams were shattered in an instant.
A flick from Michael Morgan, a dive from Kyle Feldt, a drop from Ben Hunt, and a field goal from Johnathan Thurston sealed the victory for the North Queensland Cowboys, leaving the Broncos to mourn their missed opportunity.
Despite the heartbreak, Brisbane had reason to believe in a brighter future.
The return of Wayne Bennett as coach had revitalized the team, bringing them back to the grand final after a nine-year absence.
The Broncos boasted a roster filled with legendary players such as Corey Parker, Sam Thaiday, and Darius Boyd, along with rising stars like Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford.
It seemed like they were destined for success.
Although they didn't win the premiership in 2015, the Broncos had regained their status as one of the top teams in the competition.
Bennett played a crucial role in restoring the team's identity and instilling a sense of pride.
After a period of uncertainty under other coaches, Brisbane had finally found their way back to success.
The road to redemption was not easy, but the Broncos were determined to rise from the depths of defeat.
They had endured six years of relative disappointment, missing out on finals and experiencing early exits.
The club's powerbrokers made the decision to repair the fractured relationship with Bennett, recognizing his ability to lead them to greatness once again.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a strong roster, the Broncos were ready to reclaim their place at the top of the rugby league hierarchy.
They may have fallen short in 2015, but they were determined to turn their near-miss into the foundation for future success.
The pain of defeat would fuel their drive to become champions once more.