Baby Broncos 2002: Where are the players now who beat Wests Tigers
The Baby Broncos own a special place in the history of the NRL club. So what happened to the class of 2002? WHERE ARE THEY NOW
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Outside of grand final victories, one glorious night in western Sydney in 2002 is perhaps the fondest memory in the minds of Broncos fans.
The mere mention of the Baby Broncos – a collection of youngsters, Queensland Cup hopefuls and NRL journeymen – brings back joy for diehard supports.
This, of course, was a game they weren’t meant to win.
In a salary cap era with paper-thin differences between wins and losses, Wayne Bennett’s side being robbed of a plethora of Origin stars, plus a string of injuries, meant they were written off before the Round 12 clash.
The missing players? Darren Lockyer, Lote Tuqiri, Brent Tate, Shaun Berrigan, Shane Webcke, Andrew Gee, Gorden Tallis, Carl Webb, Dane Carlaw and Chris Walker.
Throw in six debutants and this presented a monster challenge for the young visitors.
Eighty minutes later a new generation of stars were born, as the Broncos claimed a 28-14 victory and cemented the legacy of the Baby Broncos.
As the Baby Broncos of 2025 prepare for their own slice of history, we look at where the class of 2002 is now >>>
2002 BABY BRONCOS LINE-UP
Nick Parfitt*
Current age: 41
NRL games: 5
One of the true Baby Broncos in the sense the long-serving QCup player would only go on to play four more NRL games before fading back into the state league.
The Tigers victory would prove the only win of his career.
Parfitt became a standout in the Queensland Cup, amassing 113 tries and 483 goals over 173 games. He later transitioned into sports operations management, including roles with the Brisbane Lions and North Queensland Cowboys.
Steve Irwin
Current age: 42
NRL games: 4
Enjoyed a quirky career, finishing with only four games but two of them being draws.
He also scored four tries.
After three matches in 2002, he had to wait until 2004 for his final game for the Broncos.
Post-NRL, Irwin played in Queensland’s regional leagues. He later moved into sports administration, serving as Chief Commercial Officer for Salford Red Devils and Exeter City FC.
Casey McGuire
Current age: 45
NRL games: 150
Was only about 20 games into his career in 2002, the utility would go on to play more than 100 games for the Broncos before heading to England.
He returned in 2011 for two more seasons with the Eels.
He also made two Origin appearances in 2005.
His LinkedIn profile lists him as Regional Account Manager at Marcem Gladstone, Game Development Officer for the Brisbane Broncos, and Queensland Brain Institute Concussion Research Ambassador.
Stu Kelly
Current age: 49
NRL games: 182
Journeyman outside back who would enjoy a long NRL career at the Eels, Gold Coast and Broncos.
He even played three Maroons games in 1997.
In 2022, he participated in a Legends match for Norfolk Island Tourism Queensland.
Scott Minto*
Current age: 46
NRL games: 53
One of the true cult heroes, Minto would play one more game in 2002 before sprinkling games across the next six seasons with the Broncos and Cowboys.
Post-retirement, he established Minto Finance Group in Central Queensland, mentoring new brokers and overseeing daily operations.
Brett Seymour
Current age: 40
NRL games: 123
Boom half was heralded the next big thing for the Broncos, and had his moments over the next five seasons, but his injury-plagued and controversy-riddled time ended in 2006.
Further stints with the Sharks and Warriors would again show promise without his career really taking off.
Post-retirement, he faced legal issues, receiving convictions for domestic violence and assault.
Scott Prince
Current age: 45
NRL games: 300
Was in the middle of an injury-disrupted stint with the Broncos, and would go on for forge a long career.
Also lined up in a handful of Origin matches.
He came out of retirement in 2020 to play for the Fortitude Valley Diehards and is involved in promoting women’s rugby league.
Named Broncos NRLW head coach in 2024.
Corey Parker
Current age: 43
NRL games: 347
Remains the Broncos’ leading pointscorer after retiring in 2016.
Got better and better with age and went from a shaved head enforcer to an offloading machine by the end of his career, becoming mainstay for the Maroons and Kangaroos.
These days is an outspoken media personality.
Post-retirement, he has spoken about his struggles with brain damage from his playing days and advocates for concussion awareness.
Shane Walker (c)
Current age: 47
NRL games: 150
Another utility who forged a long career without ever really becoming a bona fide star.
Became an out-of-the-box co-coach of the Ipswich Jets alongside brother Ben and was touted as a NRL mentor without ever getting the call.
Robert Tanielu*
Current age: 43
NRL games: 9
A tryscoring hero from 2002, he would leave the Broncos at the end of the season and sprinkled games with the Cowboys and Storm over the next few years.
Tanielu’s career was cut short due to a neck injury. He later became involved in youth ministry and motivational speaking.
Michael Coorey
Current age: 50
NRL games: 25
One of the great stories of the Baby Broncos, Coorey made his NRL debut in 1998 and lined up for Lebanon at international level.
He never quite made the grade but enjoyed a late-career flourish with the 2002 victory.
Brad Meyers
Current age: 45
NRL games: 177
Emerged as a NRL star early in his career, even being chosen for the Maroons in 2001.
However his career never quite took off in the following seasons, and after a stint with Bradford returned to finish as a workman for the Titans before retiring in 2011.
Phil Lee
Current age: 49
NRL games: 104
Seemed destined to become a Maroons rake but the utility’s career was hit by a string of knee injuries.
By the end of 2003 his career was done.
Interchange:
Elia Tuqiri
Current age: 43
NRL games: 2
Made his NRL debut a week earlier against the Dragons before the Tigers win would prove his career swan song at NRL level.
The cousin of Lote Tuqiri faded from the scene as quickly as he arrived.
Enjoyed a stint in rugby union and was coach of Quade Cooper’s Souths team in the late 2010s.
Now listed as Head of Welfare at Agri Labour Australia.
Nathan Friend*
Current age: 44
NRL games: 242
The Baby Broncos was his one and only game for the club before a long career with the Storm, Warriors and Titans.
Retired as a deeply popular member of the NRL community.
Post-retirement, he has been involved in community and youth programs.
Chris Kahler*
Current age: 42
NRL games: 51
Another to never again line up for Brisbane, the forward went to the Raiders in 2004 before a final season with the Titans in 2007.
Lined up for Gateshead in 2009.
Post-retirement, he has been involved in coaching at the grassroots level.
Steve LaCaze*
Current age: 43
NRL games: 1
Perhaps remarkably the Innisfail product was the only player in the squad never to line up again in the NRL.
Returned to his home town and remained involved in the community through business.
*denotes NRL debut v Tigers
Originally published as Baby Broncos 2002: Where are the players now who beat Wests Tigers
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