They came to farewell Justin Hodges but Brisbane also said goodbye to their NRL minor premiership hopes on Thursday night after suffering a 15-8 loss to Melbourne.
The Storm boosted their top-four chances by maintaining a remarkable five-game, six-year unbeaten Suncorp Stadium streak against Brisbane in front of 44,015 fans.
The return of Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt (cork) could not come soon enough for the finals-bound Broncos after debutant No.7 Ashley Taylor suffered a broken hand near halftime.
And in Hunt’s absence, Brisbane pivot Anthony Milford ran out with a target on his back and was manhandled throughout by a ruthless Storm.
In another worry for Brisbane, fullback Darius Boyd left the field with concussion in the 68th minute.
The night was meant to belong to 15-year veteran Hodges who will retire at season’s end.
Fans were allowed on the hallowed Suncorp Stadium turf after fulltime to pay tribute to the Brisbane skipper at a farewell ceremony to coincide with their last regular-season home game.
However, Melbourne were the ultimate party poopers and can secure a top-four finish if Manly upset Cronulla on Sunday.
Brisbane will finish second, gifting the Sydney Roosters their third straight minor premiership.
The Broncos will host third-placed North Queensland in the opening weekend of the finals after missing out on securing their first minor premiership since 2000.
Melbourne led 8-4 at halftime and eventually ran out three-tries-to-one winners with Storm centre Kurt Mann bagging a double.
Cooper Cronk kicked a 71st-minute field goal to put the visitors seven points clear.
Milford came under heavy treatment from the outset without his halves partner Hunt.
Brisbane opened the scoring when lock Ryan Hinchcliffe was penalised for a late hit on Milford after the Broncos’ pivot kicked the ball out on the full and Corey Parker nailed the two points on offer after nine minutes.
Taylor came off the field near halftime after suffering a compound finger fracture in a tackle.
Melbourne fullback Cameron Munster was a standout as he continued to shine in Billy Slater’s absence, notching 224m, one linebreak and a try assist.
steveng
Roar Rookie
The refereeing in the Storm vs Broncos game was a 'one eyed' event, even though Wayne Bennett never ever smiled, is this bloke ever going to smile or be happy? Just have a look at the coaching Bronco's box in every game, they all look like they are at a funeral!
Mike from Tari
Guest
That refereeing is turning people off Tis great game of ours, I would go as far to say that Ref was incompetent, the Broncos should have won that game easily even without Hunt, 8-2 penalty count offered to them on a platter, Hodges not penalised or put on report because it was his farewell game, I am embarrassed for Rugby League.
Maroon Blood
Guest
To be honest, I thought the Broncs played pretty well to be that close in the end bearing in mind halfback for 3/4 of the game, Boyd off with concussion and an extreeeemely skinny 10 metres all night. Roosters will NOT lose to the woeful Bunnies tomorrow night so the minor premiership was immaterial. Besides, I will be a lot more confident in the Broncs rolling the Cowpokes next weekend than I would be if it was against the Sharks/Storm. Should be, nay, WILL be a cracker!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Looks like the original comment I was replying to has been withdrawn Pete...
The Barry
Roar Guru
Possibly bulldog... I don't think it's 'us against them' I just agree with Des that the poor fellows are out of their depth.
Samtwocan
Guest
Of coarse it matters ,,, no team wants to loose and with momentum so important at this time of year I doubt losing even on the back of a lopsided penalty count in the Broncos favour was part of the plan .. Grand Torino would have a few concerns right now .
SpongeBob
Guest
The loss Brisbane needed to have before their big flurry to the GF. The disappointing thing will be versing the Cowboys yet again – the NRL never stops. Their obvious hate of QLD dominance has again seen the stars align and one of QLD teams must get beaten and most likely knocked out of the finals once more. Too bad the Rabbitohs can’t grab the lettuce these days even when it’s golden plattered up. Perhaps they can get the Eagles a bump, a coachless premiership team, that would get some media attention!
Bulldog
Guest
Gold!!
Bulldog
Guest
TB - If the NRL refs are the Agents of Chaos or Kaos does that make Des Hasler Maxwell Smart?
Renegade
Roar Guru
Yeah nah there were no quick play the balls last night buddy ;) haha Melbourne are the champions of slowing down the ruck/game.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I once thought i was wrong. But i was mistaken.
Muzz
Guest
A tribute to our good friend Jay. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwkU8-d1gIk
Bulldog
Guest
haha yes Fonzie was the cool dude but he just could not say he was wwwrrroooonggg
pete bloor
Guest
Que?
ferret
Guest
It didn't really matter one way or the other, the Broncos were always going to finish second. Bennett rested two key players, Glenn took an early guilty plea to miss one week. The only real interest this week is who will finish fourth.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I thought he got a few. Made some great runs. Seems to land on his knees more than most and really makes an effort to get up quick. Blair commented on it before the game that he loves playing with him, specifically because he gets quick play the balls and the next run is a blessing. I thought the Broncos were pretty good considering. Such a Shane to not really get to see what Taylor was capable of.
pete bloor
Guest
It should be.
Samtwocan
Guest
All you can hope for Baz is that your team happens to get the best of it on the day . The Roosters have had a good run lately so I'm fine with the refs but I'm the 1st to admit I thought manly got the burnt end of the stick last week . I understand your frustration though . Let's hope there is no major blunders in the next few weeks.
Samtwocan
Guest
This may seem like stupid question but ,Was losing the game part of the plan ?
Samtwocan
Guest
Jay proudly wears his triple strength bronco coloured glasses at all time . I bought my rooster coloured glasses from the same shop but mine are only .5's .