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Brisbane Broncos End 19-Year Wait to Lift Provan-Summons Trophy in Thrilling 2025 NRL Grand Final The Brisbane Broncos have been crowned champions of the National Rugby League (NRL) for the first time since 2006, overcoming a 10-point half-time deficit to defeat the Melbourne Storm 26–22 in a gripping NRL Grand Final on Sunday, 5 October, at Accor Stadium in Sydney. The victory marks the club’s seventh premiership and completes a remarkable season built on resilience and attack. The decider, played in front of 80,223 spectators, was defined by a stunning second-half surge from the Queensland side, led by a truly exceptional performance from fullback Reece Walsh, who was awarded the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the match. A Game of Two Halves The match opened at a ferocious pace, setting the tone for what would become an instant classic. The Broncos struck first early through winger Deine Mariner, but the Melbourne Storm quickly asserted their control, dominating possession and territory for the majority of the first 40 minutes. Tries to Nick Meaney, Eliesa Katoa, Will Warbrick, and Jahrome Hughes saw the Storm establish a commanding 22–12 lead heading into the break. Melbourne's attacking fluency, often associated with veteran coach Craig Bellamy, appeared to overwhelm Brisbane’s defence, forcing the Broncos to rely heavily on opportunistic plays, including a vital try from Walsh shortly before the siren. However, the second half saw a radical shift in momentum. The Broncos emerged transformed, scoring 14 unanswered points and holding the Storm scoreless.
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Centre Gehamat Shibasaki crossed the line twice in quick succession, and Mariner secured his double, with Brisbane's forward pack generating vital quick play-the-balls that starved Melbourne of possession. The final twenty minutes became an exercise in grit, particularly after Brisbane lost both of their experienced halves, Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt, to injuries. Walsh Delivers Grand Final Masterclass The comeback was marshalled predominantly by 23-year-old Reece Walsh. Despite the loss of his key playmakers, Walsh seamlessly shifted into a primary organisational role, combining high-risk attack with crucial defensive solidity. Beyond contributing a try and three try-assists, his final act of the game proved decisive: a match-saving tackle on Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen in the 80th minute as the Storm pressed for a late match-winner, preserving the four-point margin. The Brisbane coach, Kevin Walters, paid tribute to the selflessness of his side and the maturity of his young star following the chaotic second half. "When you lose two guys of that calibre, you start to worry, but we saw the collective character shine through," Walters was reported as saying. "Reece's performance was simply extraordinary. He went from being a talented player to a genuine match-winner tonight.
That tackle in the final seconds will be spoken about for years. " Breaking a Near Two-Decade Drought For the Brisbane Broncos, the victory carries profound significance, ending a 19-year wait for a title, a period considered a lengthy drought for one of the NRL's largest and most successful clubs. The win also serves as a measure of redemption after their heartbreaking Grand Final defeat two years prior. This premiership caps an impressive finals campaign where the Broncos repeatedly displayed their comeback ability, having previously overturned double-digit deficits against the Canberra Raiders and the Penrith Panthers to reach the decider. Speaking on the emotional gravity of the win, former player and current analyst Darren Lockyer commented on the weight of expectation lifted from the club. "The 2006 premiership felt like a lifetime ago for the fans. What this team achieved, particularly overcoming such a dominant Melbourne side while battling injuries, confirms a change of the guard," Lockyer said. "This isn't just a trophy; it validates the structural rebuild that has occurred at the club over the last few seasons. " Future Implications for the Competition The result is seen by many analysts as a statement moment in the NRL landscape.
The Melbourne Storm, under the guidance of Craig Bellamy, had been considered favourites after a strong regular season and a record-extending Grand Final appearance for their coach. While the Storm's long-term future remains robust, this defeat marks a challenging finish to a season where they narrowly missed out on adding to their substantial trophy cabinet. For Brisbane, the average age of their winning side, combined with the stellar form of their younger players like Walsh, Mariner, and Shibasaki, suggests this may be the beginning of a sustained period of success. The Broncos also completed a club double on the day, with their women's team earlier winning the NRLW Grand Final in a tight 22–18 contest against the Sydney Roosters. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the Broncos, now seven-time premiership winners, will enter the competition as the benchmark. Their ability to deliver under extreme pressure and their blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership positions them as a formidable force, ready to defend the coveted Provan-Summons Trophy.
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