Broncos stun Panthers to reach the NRL Grand Final after dramatic comeback
Brisbane completed a remarkable late turnaround to knock out Penrith and book a place in the NRL Grand Final, overthrowing a team chasing a record-equalling five-peat. Trailing 14-0 at half-time, the Broncos clawed their way back with a blend of resilience, grit, and a touch of genius from veteran playmaker Adam Reynolds.
The first-half wall and the turning point
The Panthers asserted control in the opening forty minutes, landing two tries to winger Paul Alamoti and leaving the home side needing a response. Nathan Cleary ran the show, with Penrith looking every bit the side capable of sealing a sixth straight appearance in a NRL decider. The Broncos, without suspended lock Pat Carrigan in the first half, were forced to weather an early storm and find answers on the run.
Key plays that shifted the momentum
Brisbane’s fightback began with back-row enforcer Jordan Riki denying Cleary at the line, a pivotal moment that kept the deficit from widening. Reynolds, back from a seven-week hamstring layoff, then sparked a crucial sequence when his grubber was deflected to create a try for centre Kotoni Staggs. The Broncos kept pressing, and winger Xavier Willison’s go-ahead score in the 70th minute provided a lift that energized the stands and their bench alike.
Payne Haas and a fearless finish
Payne Haas carried the Broncos’ pack through the middle, delivering the kind of relentless in-goal pressure that has defined Brisbane’s resurgence this season. Haas’ efforts, combined with cool heads in the backline, kept the Broncos within striking distance as the clock ticked down. Reece Walsh, bustling in traffic, set up Deine Mariner in the 76th minute to keep the siege alive and set the stage for Reynolds’ heroics.
Reynolds’ sideline clinches a historic moment
With the match hanging in the balance, Reynolds lined up a sideline conversion in the 77th minute that will be remembered for years. He slotted the kick with calm precision, capping a comeback that capped a career-defining moment and silencing doubters who questioned his ability to deliver when it mattered most. The 35-year-old, who had faced criticism for past Grand Final failures, stood tall as the team in blue and orange celebrated a win that felt like turning points in a season.
What this means for the NRL Grand Final
The victory secures a date with fierce rival Melbourne in the Grand Final, a rematch that carries the weight of history and the promise of a dramatic season finale. Brisbane have shown they are never out of a fight, overcoming deficits of 14, 16, and even 18 points at different stages. Their resilience makes them a serious challenger for the Storm, who will be wary of a Broncos side that has grown stronger as the stakes have risen.
Looking ahead
The Broncos have enjoyed a strong run of form, including a twleve-win in 14 matches, and now head into the Grand Final with confidence. Their performance in the preliminary final, particularly the second-half surge and Reynolds’ clutch moment, will be remembered as a blueprint for how to close out a big-game encounter. For Penrith, the dream of a five-peat has been halted, but their season remains a testament to consistency and elite execution under pressure.
Final notes
As Brisbane books its place in the NRL Grand Final, fans will be left marveling at a comeback that will be talked about for years. The team’s next challenge comes against a Melbourne side that has dominated recent seasons, promising a finale rich in skill, strategy, and edge-of-seat drama. For now, the Broncos celebrate a night when belief met opportunity, and a sideline conversion sealed a moment of sporting history.
