UPDATE: The Brisbane Broncos have delivered a breathtaking blow to the Penrith Panthers, ending their dreams of a fifth consecutive title with a dramatic 16-14 victory in the preliminary final.
This stunning comeback unfolded at Suncorp Stadium earlier today as the Broncos, who found themselves trailing by 14-0 at halftime, rallied in the second half, securing a grand final spot against fierce rivals Melbourne.
With just three minutes remaining on the clock, Broncos captain Adam Reynolds nailed a sideline conversion that sealed the win. This moment was particularly poignant for Reynolds, who had missed a crucial conversion in the 2021 grand final while playing for South Sydney against the Panthers.
The Broncos’ resilience was on full display as they fought back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit. Key plays defined the second half, beginning with back-rower Jordan Riki‘s crucial tackle on star halfback Nathan Cleary at the try line, preventing the Panthers from extending their lead to 20 points.
Reynolds, returning from a seven-week absence due to a hamstring injury, orchestrated a pivotal play by setting up centre Kotoni Staggs for a try with a cleverly placed grubber kick. The Broncos’ defense held strong, repelling multiple attacks from the Panthers before prop Xavier Willison crashed over the line in the 70th minute.
In a nail-biting finish, fullback Reece Walsh maneuvered through traffic to assist winger Deine Mariner in scoring the Broncos’ second try. Walsh, who had previously missed the conversion, confidently passed the responsibility to Reynolds, who successfully converted from the sideline.
The Broncos are proving to be a team that refuses to give up. This season alone, they have staged remarkable comebacks, overcoming deficits of 18 points, 16 points twice, and 14 points on another occasion.
The Panthers, who dominated the first half with two tries from winger Paul Alamoti, fell short in the face of the Broncos’ relentless second-half effort. This loss marks a significant moment in the NRL season, with the Broncos now poised for a showdown with Melbourne.
Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the upcoming grand final as the Broncos look to capitalize on their momentum. Stay tuned for updates on this thrilling matchup and more breaking news from the world of sports.
