Fans swarm Caxton St, Sydney to see Broncos’ wild ride

Broncos fans flooded Caxton St to cheer on their beloved team in the grand final, throwing beer cans in the air every time they scored a try and feeling the pain as they eventually lost the nailbiter.

• PHOTOS: Broncos fans out in force

Right next to Suncorp Stadium, home of the Broncos, the Caxton Hotel carpark transformed into a stomping ground of Broncos fans, all bleeding maroon as they saw the Broncos take on their first Grand Final since 2015.

With an exhilarating battle, beer cans took flight at every Broncos try and rowdy crowds erupted in cheer at every possession.

The crowd at the Broncos league club, where they train, was also heaving with excited fans but ultimately it would be the Panthers who clinched this year’s title in what was a thriller to remember.

Earlier, Broncos super fan Oliver Brooks was lapping up the atmosphere at the Caxton.

“The atmosphere around here, it’s unbeatable at the Caxton,” he said.

“Everyone around is here to have a good time, support the locals, support the broncos.”

He said it “means a lot to see a team I’ve supported since I was a kid”.

“I’ve always loved the Broncos since we’ve had that let down in 2015, I’ve always wanted to see another final,” he said.

“This year’s the year for us, we have such a good team.”

Oliver Brooks, Ciara Laffey, Riley Henderson at the Caxton Hotel. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Broncos fan Emma Dutton was proud to see the Broncos represent Brisbane on a national stage.

“I hope that they keep coming on top and winning every year,” Ms Dutton said.

Her friend, Georgia Sankey reflected on the amazing season the Broncos have had.

“Started from the bottom now we’re here,” Ms Sankey said.

“I love that they’ve come together as a squad and have really put Brisbane on the map.”

Broncos superfans Brent Kelly and Grant McMillan recounted their favourite memories for this season and their most cherished Broncos memories over the past 20 years.

“When Denan Kemp went in for four tries in 2008, that’s the day I became a Broncos fan”

“I’ve been walking around the town and the city all day and you can feel it in the air,” Mr Kelly said.

“And everyone’s here to celebrate it today.

“With the heartbreak in 2015, we have a big redemption.

“We’ve got a young pack, we’ve got Adam Reynolds for another two to three years, we’re going to win it next year and the year after.”

PHOTOS: Broncos fans out in force for GF

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Mr McMillan said: “We’ve been waiting for this since 2006, this is our day.

“My wildest Broncos story is growing up in a family as the only Broncos supporter child, the rest of them supporting other Queensland teams.

“I’ve stuck through and now is our day.”

Karen Boyce recounted her first memories of the Broncos in 1978, the year they were formed.

“Wally Lewis, he was the key back then,” Ms Boyce said.

“And they were winning.”

She shared how she ranked this year’s Broncos.

“I think they’ve really gelled well together, I think they’re a real team this year.

“It gives the fans a lot of hope.”

In agreement with Ms Boyce was Luke Gaffa, a veteran Broncos fan of over 20 years.

“It means everything to Queensland sport,” Mr Gaffa said.

“I reckon this side is better than the ‘06 Grand Final, even with Lockyer in it.”

In Sydney, Accor Stadium was hit by a Broncos supporter stampede with tens of thousands of Brisbane fans making the trek over the border for the NRL grand final.

Mark and Virginia Jones have been members for 20 years and were never going to miss the decider.

Mrs Jones choked back tears outside the stadium describing her love for the club.

“I’m nearly crying. I am so emotional, it means so much,” Mrs Jones said.

“We love this club.”

The couple and friend Yvonne Ragnam flew down and each paid more than $1000 for airfares alone.

“Today has been amazing. Everywhere you look there are Broncos fans,” Mr Jones said.

“We went to the pub yesterday for the Lions and Broncos fans were out in force.

“And everywhere we walk today the neutrals are on our side.”

Siblings Liam and Maddy Garozzo from Brisbane at Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park. Picture: Adam Head

Sitting in the official away end, siblings Liam and Maddy Garozzo said the atmosphere was electric.

“We have taken over. It’s like Caxton St in here,” Mr Garozzo said.

“It’s absolutely awesome and will be even bigger when we win.”

Abe Carr brought his five children including Elijah, 5, down from Brisbane for the grand final.

“It means everything to us,” Mr Carr said.

“It’s the true of a lifetime and to do it with my family here is unreal. I can’t describe it.”

Broncos‘ members Loretta and Angus McGahan were buzzing with excitement hours prior to kick-off outside Accor Stadium.

The family were reunited in Sydney with daughter Tess McGahan while their friend Kate Connolly jumped at the chance to come down.

“We spent a lot to get here but the whole trip is priceless, it’s not about the money. It’s about the journey,” Mrs McGahan said.

Brisbane fans Loretta, Angus and Tess McGahan with Kate Connolly arrive at Accor Stadium. Picture: Adam Head

For Mother’s Day, Angus and Tess presented Loretta with a celebratory message from Adam Reynolds via Cameo.

“He was so generous I had to send him a thankyou letter,” she said.

“I’ve gone to loads of open trainings to say good morning to Selwyn (Cobbo) and Payne (Haas).

“We have been members for a long time, we were here in 2015 and it’s just so great to be back.”

It’s been an interesting dynamic for Blackwater-based Panthers’ fan Kimberley Beath who lives in an all-Broncos household.

For mum, dad and three kids, it set the Beath family back about $10,000 to fly down and stay for the extended weekend.

“This is a potentially a lifetime trip for us, you don‘t know whether we will be back,” Mrs Beath said.

“We have been definitely been giving each other a bit of stick.”

Originally published as Fans swarm Caxton St, Sydney to see Broncos’ wild ride