Brisbane pull off stunning comeback to seal NRL Grand Final berth
In a match that will be remembered as one of the great Brisbane comebacks, the Broncos edged the four-time defending premiers 16-14 at Suncorp Stadium. Trailing 14-0 at halftime, Brisbane produced a second-half fightback full of grit, grit, and key moments that rewritten the script of this year’s NRL finals. Adam Reynolds stood tall in a moment of redemption, guiding his side to a dramatic win that ends Penrith’s five-peat dream and sends Brisbane into a grand final showdown with Melbourne.
First-half dominance from Penrith
The Panthers controlled the tempo in the opening 40 minutes, crafting tries through winger Paul Alamoti and a steady marching of pressure as Nathan Cleary orchestrated play. The assault looked relentless, and Cleary’s control suggested a fifth grand final appearance in six years was all but certain. Brisbane, missing Pat Carrigan in the opening half, faced a lion’s share of Panthers’ opportunities and trailed 14-0 at the break.
Turning points that sparked the comeback
Brisbane’s reshaped mindset and late-game sheer determination became evident in the second half. A pivotal moment came when back-rower Jordan Riki denied Cleary on the tryline, stalling what could have pushed Penrith further ahead. From there, Reynolds, back after a seven-week hamstring layoff, helped flip the script, laying on a try for Kotoni Staggs with a deflected grubber to start the Broncos’ revival.
Brisbane’s forwards set the tone, with Xavier Willison diving over in the 70th minute to close the gap and give the home side belief. Reece Walsh, who had a tense moment with a missed conversion, swung momentum further when he created an opportunity for Deine Mariner just before halftime, setting up a late charge that thrilled the crowd. In a moment that will be replayed for years, Reynolds landed the sideline conversion in the 77th minute, capping a personal redemption arc and delivering a signature moment in a defining season for the Broncos.
Redemption, resilience and leadership
The 35-year-old captain’s decision to return from injury and his performance under pressure highlighted a redemption arc that had defined his career. His sideline strike, after a week of criticism over missed grand final moments in 2023, epitomised the mental resilience that Brisbane needed. Not only did Reynolds convert, but he stood tall in front of a roaring Suncorp crowd, soaking in the cheers and silencing the doubters as the Broncos surged to life in the second half.
Key players who sparked the revival
Payne Haas carried the team on his back, repeatedly finding metres and applying relentless pressure in attack and defence. Midfield engine work from the forward pack, combined with Walsh’s playmaking ability and Mariner’s finishing instinct, provided the spark that had eluded Brisbane at the break. The Broncos showed they are never out of the fight, a trait that has defined their season as they rallied from behind more than once this year, including comebacks from big deficits to claim wins.
What comes next: a grand final with Melbourne
Brisbane’s victory sets up a blockbuster title decider against the Melbourne Storm. The Broncos have history against the Storm in finals, including a 2006 decider triumph, and will head into the grand final with momentum after a historic comeback. The mood around Suncorp was electric as fans embraced a narrative of resilience, leadership, and belief that this Brisbane side can finish what has been a remarkable season by lifting the trophy against one of the league’s most accomplished teams.
A final word on a season-defining night
From a 14-point hole to a leap into the grand final, this match encapsulated the energy of the 2024 NRL finals. Brisbane end Penrith five-peat dream with a comeback win not just as a scoreline, but as a story of perseverance, strategic tweaks, and players stepping up when it mattered most. The road to the title is now clear, and the Broncos will bring that same fighting spirit into what promises to be a monumental showdown against Melbourne.
