The Glory Days

[Splinter]

I'd be up for some old time uncle Splinter stories.

Was the 84 AMCO the really tense match where the combined Brisbane team was forced to defend their line a ridiculous amount of times? My folks used to bring this match up all the time.

I cannot remember the finer detail of the match but remember the excitement when we won. These matches were played hard by Brisbane as it was our only venting against NSW apart from SOO. Qld was dudded in the cup as well with Qld Country forced to qualify but NSW Country given a free ride to the first round.
Take a look at the team from back then and i would be happy with that squad as our Broncos team now. Some great young players in the team.
Wally Lewis man of the series
With the demise of Newtown, the competition was reduced to 17 teams in a straight knock-out. 2 teams played off in the preliminary round. There was a random draw for all other rounds.
[h=2]Preliminary round[/h]

Date	Winner	Score	Loser	Score	Venue
16/05/84	Qld Country	25	Auckland	18	Lang Park

[h=2]Round 1[/h]

Date	Winner	Score	Loser	Score	Venue
11/04/84	Balmain	12	Cronulla-Sutherland	2	Leichhardt Oval
18/04/84	Penrith	26	Illawarra	10	Leichhardt Oval
2/05/84	Combined Brisbane	25	South Sydney	18	Lang Park
9/05/84	NSW Country	17	Western Suburbs	4	Bathurst
23/05/84	Canterbury-Bankstown	30	Manly-Warringah	10	Leichhardt Oval
6/06/84	Eastern Suburbs	44	Qld Country	0	Leichhardt Oval
13/06/84	Parramatta	20	Canberra	2	Leichhardt Oval
20/06/84	St. George	22	North Sydney	0	Leichhardt Oval

[h=2]Quarter finals[/h]

Date	Winner	Score	Loser	Score	Venue
27/06/84	Parramatta	16	Penrith	6	Leichhardt Oval
4/07/84	Easts	24	NSW Country	4	Leichhardt Oval
11/07/84	Brisbane	14	Canterbury	11	Lang Park
18/07/84	St George	26	Balmain	6	Tamworth

[h=2]Semi finals[/h]

Date	Winner	Score	Loser	Score	Venue
25/07/84	Brisbane	14	Parramatta	12	Leichhardt Oval
1/08/84	Easts	22	St George	10	Leichhardt Oval

[h=2]Final[/h]

Date	Winner	Score	Loser	Score	Venue
15/08/84	Brisbane	12	Eastern Suburbs Roosters	11	Leichhardt Oval

A televised night game, the final's match commentary was provided by Ray Warren and Bill Anderson. The Brisbane side that night was: 1. Colin Scott, 2. Joe Kilroy, 3. Mal Meninga, 4. Gene Miles, 5. John Ribot, 6. Wally Lewis (c), 7. Henry Foster, 8. Bob Lindner, 9. Wally Fullerton Smith, 10. Bryan Neibling, 11. Richard Poulsen, 12. Eddie Muller, 13. Greg Dowling, 14. Tony Currie, Coach Bob McCarthy.
Lewis opened the scoring when he was tackled a few metres from the try-line and in the absence of a marker played the ball forward and dove over for a try. He was also named man-of-the-match

 

[Splinter]

Looking at those results Pete, Easts had a pretty cruisy run into the final where we did it the hard way with some tight matches
I was lucky enough to see them play Souths live that year. I was about to get married and saving pennies at that stage

 

[Splinter]

The Glory day for me is not a Grand Final win but the day we played our first match and gave Manly a belting. We were now on our way to becoming the best NRL club

 

[1910]

What about our first ever championship victory?

The 1989 Panasonic Cup

Now, this game happened before I was even born but it's impact on the club shouldn't be ignored.

For those who don't know/can't remember, the Panasonic Cup was a mid-week elimination style competition played adjacent to the NSWRL competition. Brisbane had been knocked out in the first round of the previous tournament and went into the final as heavy favourites looking to make ammends for the earlier disappointment.

Standing in their way stood the Illawarra Steelers, the perrenial underdogs who had only won one game in the competition proper and would go onto take the wooden spoon.

As you can imagine, the Broncos went in as heavy favourites and at quater time, the boys held a 16 point lead. It had been a typical Broncos performance which featured some well executed exchanges of passes which created space down the right fringe and some great plays from our slew of stars.

Then the Steelers came roaring back. Smokin' Joe Kilroy spilled a probing grubber from English import, Andy Gregory, inside his own in-goal allowing Rodwell to pounce and put the Steelers on the board. Then flying centre, Jeff Hardy, intercepted an ill-conceived bat on pass from Brett Le Man to race away and link up with Wishart and before you knew it, the Steelers were back in the contest 16-14.

The game then turned into a torrid affair where defence reigned supreme. After some very tense moments, the Broncos were able to take the match when Jacko ran the perfect line off a nice pass from Materson which cut the Steelers to pieces before finding Miles on the inside. To this day, Steelers fans still declare the pass forward but it doesn't matter as the Broncos held onto win 22-20.

Then things turned ugly. Since the game was played at Parramatta stadium, the bulk of the audience was made up of Steelers fans and Sydney supporters. Clearly, Brisbane winning didn't sit well with them and so they resorted to hurling abuse and projectiles at the players. To make matters worse, despite winning the match, the man of the match award went to Andy Gregory, a shock choice that didn't add up, especially to the Broncos.

In the end, the scene at Parramatta stadium was such an embarrassment that NSWRL chairman Ken Arthurson personally visited the Broncos dressing room post-game and apologised on the game's behalf.

However, in a moment that would define the club, the Broncos reported back in Brisbane and in a moment that only the King could get away with, he told the Sydney fans they could all kiss their...

then all the players turned around and pointed to their backsides.

It was a moment that told the Rugby League community that the Broncos were about to accept abuse lying down and boy did we make some enemies in the process.

Broncos were on fire first 25 minutes. Miles' try down the right hand side was sensational.

 

[1910]

I'd be up for some old time uncle Splinter stories.

Was the 84 AMCO the really tense match where the combined Brisbane team was forced to defend their line a ridiculous amount of times? My folks used to bring this match up all the time.

Yep outstanding defence, that Brisbane team was great against the Roosters.

1. Scott
2. Kilroy
3. Miles
4. Meninga
5. Ribot
6. Lewis
7. Foster
8. Lindner
9. Fullerton-Smith
10. Niebling
11. Paulson
12. Muller
13. Dowling

24 tackles they had to hold in the last part of the game. Brisbane scored a try each half Lewis first half playing it forward and set Miles up down the right second half.

Roosters scored one try. Combined Brisbane won by a point.

 

[Broncoman]

This is a personal memory but it played a vital part of me becoming a Bronco.

It was my 10th birthday and I was pretty dissapointed my dad only gave me an envelope after I got presents from the whole family (both sides). My mood changed in an instant when inside the envelope contained tickets to the Broncos 2005 season opener against the Cowboys.

Can remember the game well enough it was beautiful March afternoon with the sun shining and a great atmosphere and crowd at Lang Park. From memory the Broncos put on a class performance beating the Cowboys by 29-16 playing very good footy and after leading at half-time. Remember seeing Brett Seymour crash over the line just after the break and the roar of the crowd was awesome. Seymour landed a field goal aswell to seal the game for us. Great afternoon and I became a Bronco that day.

Still can't get the Roosters out though...I'l always have a soft spot for them.

Broncos team round 1 2005

1: Kharmichael Hunt
2: Justin Hodges
3: Brent Tate
4: Shaun Berrigan
5: Leon Bott
6: Darren Lockyer
7: Brett Seymour
8: Shane Webcke
9: Barry Berrigan
10: Petero Civoniceva
11: Corey Parker
12: David Stagg
13: Tonie Carroll

14: Brad Thorn
15: Casey McGuire
16: Darren Mapp
17: Sam Thiaday

 

[CaptainHook]

Great post, Broncoman. I remember that game too. The win was particularly satisfying considering in our last encounter the Cowboys finally broke the duck against Brisbane (2004 semi final). There was talk in the press at the time about how the tide was turning, Cowboys would dominate blah, blah, blah. To get a strong win over them felt like the boys wanting to set the record straight.

 

[Big Pete]

I was there that afternoon as well and it was a great afternoon of footy.

Watched the game back a few years ago and this is what I remember taking out of it...

- Seymour was the best half on the field, which is quite the statement given Lockyer and JT were also present. It's a wonder what was going on with him at the time, because when he applied himself, he had the talent to be an absolute handful. I believe he scored a try, kicked the match sealing field goal and put through a pin point grubber for Berro to start his incredible run of tries.

- Cowboys were very patchy. They didn't play well that afternoon but you could see the potential in some of their players and if they just had a bit more experience, they may have been able to put in the same performance they did a year later.

- Mapp would have to be right up there as one of the most forgettable Broncos players in the history of the club, but this was one of those performances that basically guaranteed him a bench spot for the bulk of 2005. Hit the ball hard, made some good tackles and helped us obtain the ascendency in the second half.

- One memory I have of being at the game was the crowd's reaction to hearing Justin Hodges named on the wing. First and last time I've heard a Broncos player booed at Suncorp, boy didn't he win fans over by the time that year was over?

 

[GCBRONCO]

I remember a match from 2000 against the Sharks, Brad Thorn bombed an absolute easy try in a tight contest, Sharks were on top but then Brad Thorn went from villian to hero in the dying part of the match when he put up an unlikely bomb for I think Wendall Sailor to catch and score and we won 18-14.

Also the game against the Raiders back in 1990 at lang park is a favourite of mine, the Broncos came out on fire, Kevin Walters was at his best scoring a try and setting up another and a great team try saw the Broncos jump out to an 18-0 lead, the Raiders weren't about to be easily dispatched with and returned the favor to lead 20-18 nearing the end of the match, when a tall, lanky fullback by the name of Paul Hauff made a break right down the middle and scored in the corner to get the Broncos home 22-20 in a thrilling match.

 

[GCBRONCO]

 

[Alec]

Look at how short Langer is. Why did they not put him in the front row? :laugh:

 

[Big Pete]

Watched the 2000 Grand Final for the first time since around that time.

Mainly, I just went into see whether Lockyer was the right choice for man of the match given that's all anybody talks about. In my opinion, he was basically head and shoulders above the rest. It seems like a lot of people picked Phillips because he saved four tries but of those four, three of them were really tries just about any fullback in first grade should be able to stop and he was assisted by those breaks usually occuring early in the set, hence the players aren't going to back themselves.

Meanwhile, Lockyer was in everything and while he basically checked out with 25 to go, nobody else was able to catch him.

In fact, I'd almost go as far to say the likes of Sailor & Thorn had a bigger claim than Phillips ever did, even Ruben who recovered well from an earlier hit would be giving him a fair race for the championship.

Away from that, story of the game was that the Broncos jagged a comfortable 14-2 lead with 20 to go. Roosters began rolling the dice but couldn't build any pressure and made it easy for the Broncos to hold on. I think it cops a hard wrap as one of the worst grand finals, maybe it lacked a little theatre but in terms of quality I've seen far worse and at least there was a contest.

Other notes...

- Ikin actually played really well until Bonetti clocked him with a late shoulder charge to open the second half. In the modern game, it'd be a send off everyday of the week and I think it had a massive bearing on the game as Ikin became a total liability when he returned.

- Infact, a lot of players seemed to be struggling with injuries. Webcke basically played with one arm, Tallis, Ricketson & Fletcher seemed 'off' and Fittler seemed to be struggle in the second half.

- Broncos were unlucky not to be denied a try earlier when a pass was ruled forward against Ikin. Touch and go, but happy to go with the call.

- Another piece of 'objective' commentary. Vautin praises this hit from Thorn which caused Sing to lose the ball and straight away Sterlo pipes in and says there was a hand in from Thorn. Seconds later, Tuqiri scores and it's played off like an undeserved try.

- Couple of good hits. TC pulled off some beauties and Walters in what was supposed to be his final game pulled off a good tackle on Cusack

- To show how different the game was back then, the Broncos made a total of 21 interchanges in the first half, Roosters with 18. Ridiculous stuff and it went against what the game is about. Would have been interesting to see how the Broncos would have gone with a set amount given the health of Webby.

BHQ style vote
3. Darren Lockyer
2. Brad Thorn
1. Wendell Sailor

 

[pennywisealfie]

LOL I remember the Panasonic Cup win, Illawarra were last by a mile at the time so as a kid I thought it was gonna be an easy win but it was an exciting game. I will forever remember Channel 10 filmed some random acted scene with Wally and his son (not sure which one) and he goes "we win Dad".

 

[Broncoman]

Watched the 2000 Grand Final for the first time since around that time.

Mainly, I just went into see whether Lockyer was the right choice for man of the match given that's all anybody talks about. In my opinion, he was basically head and shoulders above the rest. It seems like a lot of people picked Phillips because he saved four tries but of those four, three of them were really tries just about any fullback in first grade should be able to stop and he was assisted by those breaks usually occuring early in the set, hence the players aren't going to back themselves.

Meanwhile, Lockyer was in everything and while he basically checked out with 25 to go, nobody else was able to catch him.

In fact, I'd almost go as far to say the likes of Sailor & Thorn had a bigger claim than Phillips ever did, even Ruben who recovered well from an earlier hit would be giving him a fair race for the championship.

Away from that, story of the game was that the Broncos jagged a comfortable 14-2 lead with 20 to go. Roosters began rolling the dice but couldn't build any pressure and made it easy for the Broncos to hold on. I think it cops a hard wrap as one of the worst grand finals, maybe it lacked a little theatre but in terms of quality I've seen far worse and at least there was a contest.

Other notes...

- Ikin actually played really well until Bonetti clocked him with a late shoulder charge to open the second half. In the modern game, it'd be a send off everyday of the week and I think it had a massive bearing on the game as Ikin became a total liability when he returned.

- Infact, a lot of players seemed to be struggling with injuries. Webcke basically played with one arm, Tallis, Ricketson & Fletcher seemed 'off' and Fittler seemed to be struggle in the second half.

- Broncos were unlucky not to be denied a try earlier when a pass was ruled forward against Ikin. Touch and go, but happy to go with the call.

- Another piece of 'objective' commentary. Vautin praises this hit from Thorn which caused Sing to lose the ball and straight away Sterlo pipes in and says there was a hand in from Thorn. Seconds later, Tuqiri scores and it's played off like an undeserved try.

- Couple of good hits. TC pulled off some beauties and Walters in what was supposed to be his final game pulled off a good tackle on Cusack

- To show how different the game was back then, the Broncos made a total of 21 interchanges in the first half, Roosters with 18. Ridiculous stuff and it went against what the game is about. Would have been interesting to see how the Broncos would have gone with a set amount given the health of Webby.

BHQ style vote
3. Darren Lockyer
2. Brad Thorn
1. Wendell Sailor

Great post Pete as I said in the 25 years DVD thread i have a memory of that game and was very upset that the Roosters didn't win.

How the Broncos only won by 14-6 is a mystery to me as Brisbane in my eyes were head and shoulders above the Roosters and never looked like getting beaten. I still think Philips should've been MOM the result would've been a blowout if it wasn't for him.

 

[Big Pete]

Any decent fullback would have stopped most of those tries (I'll give him props on Sailor, that was a good effort) and honestly I don't know if the Broncos would have been able to establish a roll on. It was a very back and forth game with the difference being the class of the Broncos back 3.

Apart of me feels like people bought into the commentary spiel and hopped on the Phillips bandwagon. Maybe they were just the expectations of the time but you see this stuff week to week these days.

 

[Financeguy]

What about our first ever championship victory?

The 1989 Panasonic Cup

Now, this game happened before I was even born but it's impact on the club shouldn't be ignored.

Ahh, good memories Big Pete. I was on the parra stadium hill that night as a nervous 12 yr old, especially when it looked like the Steelers were going to cause one hell of an upset. I don't remember all the details you managed to dig up but I do remember the big play from Jackson. He and Hancock were my fav Broncos back in the day, was devo when Jacko went to the Bears.

lol at Jeff Hardy being referred to as a flying centre though, he was a solid back rower playing Stagg like when in the centres who got burnt by us again in the 92 and 93 gf's.

 

[Big Pete]

Haha, my bad, I must have got him mixed up with Walford - his namesake certainly complicated matters too.

 

[Broncoman]

Thanks to Pete I was inspired to watch the 2000 Grand Final. I've recapped it before in the 25 years DVD thread but I will recap it again for the sake of this thread.

Despite the Roosters 28-0 win over Brisbane the last time the two meet they went in as underdogs which I'm guessing might've been to the fact that they were carrying injuries to key players and had a giant battle to get to the grand-final.

After a tight first 10 minutes where both sides got over the line but failed to register a score (Hegarty had the ball knocked out by Lockyer and a pass from Ikin to Lockyer was ruled forward) the Broncos gain control and with Ikin running the show register a try and 3 goals to take a 10-0 lead in the 25th minute with only the gallant Luke Philips saving the Roosters from disaster. The Roosters finish the first half strongly but can only register a goal by Philips to go into halftime with a respectable 10-2 margin.

The second-half follows the same script with Brisbane controlling the flow of the play but with Ikin carrying an injury and poor finishing only limits the scoring to a Wendell Sailor try where he barged over Matt Sing after a hot potato ball from Tonie Carroll. The Roosters come home with a wet sail but great defense and some poor handling by Easts keeps Brisbane 14-2 ahead. Fitzgibbon gets over for a well earned try with 8 to go but his conversion thuds into the cross-bar trapping the lead at 14-6. Brisbane hold firm for the reminder of the match and come out with a deserved 14-6 win.

Notes

- Wendell and Lote Tuquiri were having a good natured battle as to who could score the most tries. Both went into the match on 17 each and both scored to finish the year on 18 a piece. Worth noting that they were the wingers in this game and when they represented the Wallabies they both played on the wing in the 2003 Word Cup Final

- This was supposed to be the farewell for Kevie but he returned and played a handful of games in 2001. It was the farewell for Mick Hanc0ck though and Brad Thorne went to Union and Kevin Campion went to the Cowboys

- The win equalled Wayne Bennet's premiership wins with Jack Gibson with 5

- The Clive Churchill debate. Lockyer had an outstanding game in attack and defense having a hand in Tuquris try, returning the ball back strongly and saving an early try but I still think Philips should've got it the game would've been a blowout if it wasn't for him. He saved 4 tries in the first-half

- Our best were Wendell Sailor, Darren Lockyer and Gorden Tallis with a special mention to Shane Webcke (Broken arm) and Brad Thorne. The dell was outstanding terrorisng the Roosters every time he got the ball, scoring a try and snatching an intercept from Adrain Lam late in the game

- Many say this was a dour grand-final and I agree. Some scrappy play from both teams and very few highlights with defense dominating. Still was interesting enough as the Roosters pushed the Broncos right to the final-siren