First thoughts: Click here to read my first thoughts about the Grand Final which I posted on the Almanac site on Monday.
A statement that comes back to bite me on the bum. Back on August 14 after Reynolds, Mam and Cobbo all tore their hamstrings I wrote: the Broncos are absolutely gone and will struggle to stay in the top eight race. If they do somehow manage that, they’ll be easy fodder come the first week of the finals. Three torn hamstrings equals a team totally hamstrung for 2025. Well, not only did they make the top 8; not only did they (just) make the top 4; not only did they they overcame significant deficits in their finals two against minor premiers Canberra and four-time defending premiers Penrith; they then went on to overcome yet another deficit against their long-time nemesis and perennial grand finalists Melbourne Storm to win the premiership! You’d have to ask: What would I know? In my defence, I did come 4th in the Almanac rugby league tipping contest, in the process beating 31 others, including fellow Almanac commentators Prop by the Sea and Rabbit in the Vineyard.
Rating the game: We hear a lot of claims that particular Grand Finals are either the best ever or among the best ever, and this year’s is no exception. Watching it again, I think it’s probably a fair call. The ebb and flow of the game; it’s intense physicality; the quality of the Walsh and Hughes tries; the fight to the finish when it could have been decided on the penultimate play of the game; the utter exhaustion of the players at game’s end; Brisbane’s refusal to submit, even after losing Reynolds with 32 minutes to go and Hunt with 8 to go. I’d like to know who exactly was playing what position for Brisbane in those last 8 minutes. Whatever, they kept their line in defence and forced Melbourne to play Hail Mary footy.
Second viewing: I’ve watched a replay of the game. I repeat my earlier observation that Mariner and/or Carrrigan would have been worthy Churchill medallists. But I underestimated Shibasaki’s performance – in both attack and defence. He seems to be a big game player – go back to his Origin performances this year. Now he’s made the Kangaroos tour! A real breakout season.
An observation: In our back and forth texting on Sunday night, Liam pointed out to me: It’s also amazing to think that the Broncos have a dismal record against the Storm – except in two grand finals. For your information, in all of their meetings, the Storm lead the head-to-head count 49-16; in Grand Finals it’s Brisbane by 2-0.
The referee: I thought Grant Atkins had a pretty good game. A few early penalties to cut out slowing down of play established his control; he communicated well with the players; he didn’t take crap from anyone; he seemed to interact well with The Bunker (thankfully the Bunker had little to no influence on the game); he didn’t seem flustered at any stage; he kept up with the game and, invariably, was in good position. Only real question mark: the Walsh tackle on Coates, but even there I think he may have been guided by The Bunker. I’d happily give him 9.
Maguire: So, where does ‘Madge’ rate in the ranking of coaches? Bear in mind his triumphs with Souths, Super League, New Zealand and State of Origin. Now, in his very first season, Brisbane. All in the last 12 years. Very impressive. Expect sales of the so-called ‘spew buckets’ to rise in pre-season training across the code!
Reynolds and Hunt: The question is whether or not they should now retire. Reynolds’ post-game comments suggest he won’t; I haven’t seen anything about Hunt. I hope they do. Neither has anything more to prove. Historically, their standing in both the game and the annals of the Broncos is secure. Both have fulfilled the purpose of their place in this Broncos team. Both can only cause more damage to their battered bodies. I doubt that either could play other than a heavily managed workload in 2026. Is that in their or the club’s best interests? Sentiment is a wonderful thing – I’m a sentimentalist – but rugby league is a ruthless, corporatised business. Please don’t join the ranks of those who stayed for one season too many. Please go now on this wonderful high, on your own terms, and with the blessing of your fans.
Mam/Walters/Paix: Mam is part of the long-term answer to the above dilemma. Hopefully he’s learned enough lessons this year to see that a great career is his for the taking. Walters really stepped up when called on to play alongside Hunt in the halves. There’s no doubting his commitment. Paix might not be Harry Grant but he is solid and stood up well in the Grand Final. Mozer is on his way up through the ranks. Perhaps Brisbane should be looking for a strong-bodied, versatile player who can be at 6, 9 or 14.
2026: The hunters become the hunted, especially by the three teams they eliminated during the finals.
A book begging to be written: Brisbane’s season and finals series is worth a book. It would start with the sacking of Kevvie and the appointment of Madge; it would go on to Madge’s battles with the club’s powerful old boys. Then there’d be a chapter or two about their season as a whole up until that fateful afternoon in August; then a chapter specifically about the triple hammy day in August when everyone wrote them off for the season. It would go on to chart the cards falling their way to make the top 4 before a chapter each of the three come-from-behind finals. All interspersed with individual profiles featuring the likes of Madge, Reynolds, Hunt, Walsh, Carrigan, Haas, Shibasaki, Mariner et al. It would sell like hotcakes! Maybe I should pitch it to a publisher.
See you in season 2026!
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About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
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