Broncos fans welcome defeated heroes back to Brisbane
It wasn’t the celebration the Broncs Nation was hoping and dreaming for, but proud Brisbane fans have flocked to the Riverstage to welcome home their heartbroken heroes nonetheless.
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It wasn’t the celebration the Broncs Nation was hoping and dreaming for.
But hundreds of proud Brisbane fans still converged on the Riverstage in the Botanic Gardens on Monday to welcome home their heartbroken heroes following Sunday’s devastating two-point NRL grand final loss to the Penrith Panthers.
The venue had been booked for a capacity 9000-strong crowd in eager anticipation of the Broncos’ first premiership in 17 years.
Sadly, it was not to be, but more than 1000 fans still turned out, waiting in the blazing sun for more than two hours for the team to arrive.
Families decked out in full Broncos regalia clutched Reece Walsh masks, grand final posters and footies and fanned themselves from the heat on the hill as they waited for the team bus from Brisbane Airport, where the Broncos had jetted in on a charter flight.
Music pumped from the speakers and the Broncos mascot pumped up the crowd, leading a conga line of young supporters around the arena.
It was a carnival atmosphere but a muted one, the sense of disappointment palpable.
“It was really hard to watch – I really thought we had it, especially after (Ezra) Mam’s three tries,” said Alexandra Zanker, her two-year-old daughter Frankie at her side sporting a pint-sized Broncos jersey.
“But I think true supporters would come out today and be very proud of how well we’ve done.”
Justin Muller, who was at the welcome home reception with sons Magnus, 10, and Mace, 8, agreed.
“It’s fantastic to see,” he said of the turnout.
“It just shows how much the team means to everyone. It’s a great club with a lot of momentum and the right fundamentals in place, and we can only keep moving forward.”
The players and coach Kevvie Walters finally arrived about 11.30am to rapturous applause, with the biggest cheers reserved for Walters, courageous captain Adam Reynolds, three-try hero Ezra Mam and of course, “Rockstar Reece”.
Jesse Arthars was first on stage, sporting dark shades like several other tired and emotional teammates.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner summed up the mood.
“We all woke up feeling a bit strange this morning, but why we’re here today is to say thankyou to this team – because can you imagine how they woke up this morning?” he told the crowd.
“We’re here to say thankyou to them because they have inspired us, they have given us an amazing season, they have told us that the Broncs are back.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Brisbane was “incredibly proud” of the Broncos’ efforts.
“You’ve inspired a whole new generation of fans and loyal Broncos supporters,” she said.
“Go Broncos, they’ll be back next year.”
Walters told fans he was still “very proud” despite the shattering result and “this is just the start”.
“From where we were a couple of years ago to yesterday and last night, it was a great achievement for everyone,” he said.
“Unfortunately we didn’t quite get there in the end but I’m really proud of all the boys – tremendous effort.
“We’ve come a long way and we really thank all you guys (the fans) for coming out today. It’s pretty hot out there I’d imagine but you’ve come along in your numbers to support the team and support the Broncos.
“It is just the start. Into a grand final this year and we want to be there next year again, and the year after and the year after.”
Skipper Reynolds said the big turnout of loyal fans helped soften the blow of the grand final loss just a little.
“It’s pretty hard to consolidate … everyone’s feeling pretty down and not at their best,” he said.
“It’s just about rallying around each other and supporting each other. It’s a tough time.
“It’s obviously helpful seeing you guys (the fans) here, obviously youse are the backbone for us and we love playing for you guys.
“Looking forward to next year.”
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