Brisbane plans to employ the strategy that led to their dominant semi-final victory over Melbourne in 2023, aiming to break an eight-year losing streak at AAMI Park.
Corey Oates remains the only player from their 26-16 triumph at the Melbourne venue in August 2016, with Corey Parker as the Brisbane skipper and Cameron Smith leading the Storm at that time.
Following that victory, the Broncos suffered defeats in their subsequent 14 encounters against the Storm until their compelling 26-0 finals win at Suncorp Stadium last year. In that match, the Brisbane forwards asserted their dominance over their Melbourne counterparts, delivering one of the most impressive displays by a Broncos pack in recent memory.
Lock Pat Carrigan initiated a confrontation with Melbourne hooker Harry Grant early in the game, before delivering a powerful tackle on his Storm counterpart Josh King, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Broncos back-rower Jordan Riki showcased his prowess in a standout defensive performance, marking his best game for the club.
Fullback Tristan Sailor, who was absent from last year’s finals victory, emphasized that the performance at Suncorp Stadium serves as a blueprint for overcoming Brisbane’s historical struggles against the Storm away from home.
Reflecting on the match, Sailor noted the team’s elevated level of play in finals football and stressed the importance of maintaining a strong defensive focus against Melbourne’s structured style of play.
Sailor, who has yet to play against the Storm away, expressed excitement about the upcoming challenge and dismissed any notions of carrying mental scars from previous defeats at AAMI Park. He emphasized the team’s fresh perspective and their readiness to tackle the task at hand.
While acknowledging the importance of learning from past experiences, Sailor highlighted the contributions of former players in refining the team’s defensive strategies.
Former Broncos forward Josh Maguire and club legend Darius Boyd have been instrumental in reinforcing the team’s defensive structure during training sessions. Sailor praised Maguire’s wealth of experience and Boyd’s contemporary insights, noting their efforts to fine-tune the team’s defensive techniques and elevate their overall game.
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