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Brisbane Broncos set to break NRL records with ambitious bid for 50,000 members

Having breached the 40,000 mark, the Broncos are eyeing a historic first in the NRL with a bold target of 50,000 members.

Damian Torrie with baby William, the Broncos’ youngest member. Picture: Richard Walker
Damian Torrie with baby William, the Broncos’ youngest member. Picture: Richard Walker

The Brisbane Broncos have smashed their own record, soaring past 40,000 members to put themselves at the top of the membership ladder nationwide.

The club is now striving to grow their membership to an incredible 50,000 – a milestone never achieved in the NRL’s history.

The Broncos had 40,228 members as of Saturday afternoon, a 30 per cent increase on this time last year.

Melbourne Storm is the only other NRL team to have hit 40,000 members, but are now second with 29,100, while the Canberra Raiders have 23,478.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy has hailed this historic milestone as a testament to the passionate connection fans have towards the team.

“We are not just about football, we are about a shared sense of belonging,” he said.

“This isn’t just a win for us. This is a win for every Bronco, whether you’re on the field or in the stands at our home, Suncorp Stadium.”

This significant increase in membership is attributed to successful membership drives, such as February’s heart of Brisbane campaign, but also to the introduction of local rival, the Dolphins.

Baby William Torrie is the Broncos’ youngest member. Picture: Richard Walker
Baby William Torrie is the Broncos’ youngest member. Picture: Richard Walker

Looking beyond memberships, the Broncos are also on track to become the first club in either the NRL or AFL to reach 1.5 million social media followers by the end of June.

In appreciation of their loyal fanbase, the club will be hosting an exclusive Broncos Members’ Party at Aussie World next weekend.

Additionally, the official ‘Thank You Members Round’ is set for the Round 27 clash against the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on August 31.

The Broncos are also celebrating their youngest member yet: newborn William Torrie.

William’s dad, Damian Torrie, who has been a loyal Broncos member for two decades, wasted no time in getting a membership in his son’s name.

“He was born a Bronco,” Mr Torrie said.

Mr Torrie said he signed his son up as a Broncos member before he was even born.

“Basically he was born and while my wife was still in hospital and I was driving around going to get stuff, I rang the club and changed over the tickets into his name,” Mr Torrie said.

“It’s pretty amazing just to find out is the youngest member ever for the club.

“As a proud Bronco myself, I always envisioned my children following the Broncos as well.”

Damian and Sally Torrie with baby William, the Broncos’ youngest member. Picture: Richard Walker
Damian and Sally Torrie with baby William, the Broncos’ youngest member. Picture: Richard Walker

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/brisbane-broncos-set-to-break-nrl-records-with-ambitious-bid-for-50000-members/news-story/b4928f4aac27b65715c3bcc31168f29b