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Foo and Nicky flew almost 2000 kilometres over the weekend to see their beloved Brisbane Broncos lift the NRL trophy for the first time in two decades.
And a big night of celebrating wasn’t going to stop them from getting one more glimpse at the winning team with the iconic Provan-Summons Trophy before they continued their journey home to the Sunshine Coast today.
They were among the almost 10,000 Broncos fans revelling in the club’s victory at Suncorp Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Foo and Nicky flew home from Sydney this morning. Credit: Julius Dennis
The pair, already adorned in premiership-winning attire, said the crowd was so loud at Accor Stadium on Sunday night in Sydney that it felt like a home game, and while there were some nervous moments, the couple said they always believed they would be coming home winners.
“We always win in the second half, always,” Nicky said.
The last day of school holidays meant families could soak up the sunny weather and see their heroes in person, less than 24 hours after the club became the first to win the NRL and NRLW titles in the same year.
Both the men’s and women’s teams were greeted by raucous cheers from crowds on the hallowed turf when they entered the stadium bearing trophies.
Ben Hunt, who left the field with eight minutes to go in the grand final, was in high spirits today.Credit: AAPIMAGE
Most popular among young and old was Clive Churchill Medal winner Reece Walsh, with one fan who had flown home from Rockhampton this morning saying he’d earned his place in Broncos’ folklore.
“He’s up there now, he’s earned his stripes,” he said.
“It’s always Reece Walsh,” said another, when asked what their favourite moment of the game.
Captain Adam Reynolds spoke to a hushed crowd of the feeling of adding to the history of the league’s biggest club.
Fans flooded the field before the teams arrived. Credit: Julius Dennis
“It’s such a special group, and [I’m] fortunate to lead the boys week-in and week-out – I’m just so privileged,” he said.
Reynolds praised the work of veteran star Ben Hunt, who stepped up when Reynolds went down with a calf injury.
“Luckily, we had [Hunt], who’s played more than 350 games, to step in and get the job done,” he said.
Hunt, who wore a retro Broncos jersey to the festivities, also left the field in the second half with concussion after his head collided with a Storm player’s knee.
Asked about last night’s celebrations, he said the knock was the primary reason for his headache.
“Tomorrow it’ll probably be the beers,” he said to loud cheers.
Standing on stage with her co-captain Ali Brigginshaw, Daly M Medal winner Tamika Upton spoke of winning again with the club after spending three years with the Newcastle Knights.
“The best part about it is my friends and family are coming to every game, I’m surrounded by my friends, it’s a really special feeling, and it feels like home,” Upton said.
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