Last drinks for Sam Thaiday as Broncos legend signs off on hallowed Suncorp turf

THE Broncos washed away their season of sorrow by drinking beer on the middle of Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night in scenes reminiscent of Australia winning an Ashes cricket series.

An emotional Sam Thaiday is officially retired from the NRL. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

THE Broncos washed away their season of sorrow by drinking beer on the middle of Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night in scenes reminiscent of Australia winning an Ashes cricket series.

The only difference was Brisbane was knocked out in the first week of the NRL finals after being thrashed 48-18 by St George Illawarra.

The Broncos were annihilated by the fading Dragons, who limped into the finals after leading the competition for the opening 15 rounds of the season.

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An emotional Sam Thaiday is officially retired from the NRL. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

In front of 47,296 in the stands, the Broncos capitulated in club legend Sam Thaiday’s 304th and final NRL game to ensure their premiership drought stretches into a 13th season.

About an hour after full-time, Thaiday, his teammates and coach Wayne Bennett gathered on the hallowed Lang Park turf to farewell another failed season and one of Brisbane’s greatest servants.

“I said I was going to go out and have a beer out there and everyone came out,” Thaiday said.

“That was fantastic to have all the boys out there and share one last moment with them out on the field.

Thaiday with daughters Gracie and Ellsie following the loss to the Dragons. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“I’ve still got the full kit on. I want to soak it up as much as I can.

“There was a lot of thank yous and a bit of self-reflection. It was quite nice, a little bit emotional.

“It’s been a fantastic honour and privilege to be a Bronco for the amount of time I have been.

“It’s bittersweet, it’s been a fantastic journey but obviously not the way we wanted to finish the year.

“When that siren went I was flooded with emotions. I’m going to miss playing for the Broncos next year and being out there with the boys, but I’m going to be a huge part of this club going forward.”

Thaiday farewells Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Liam Kidston.

The Broncos went on a late-season run, winning their final three games of the season to secure a home final and a shot at becoming the first team to win the NRL premiership from outside the top four.

But their poor defence and struggles to win when favourites this season again surfaced as the Dragons blew Brisbane away in a seven-try bonanza, ending Thaiday’s career.

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