Pride and Spirit
by
Saturday June 28, 2003

Origin 2 marked the dismal end to the series on Wednesday night. Thoroughly outclassed by NSW, many of the Queensland players have had to contend with vocal armchair critics, who all came out of the woodwork in an attempt to find a scapegoat for the origin loss.

With all of the negative talk surrounding many players, it's not too surprising that the match against the Roosters last night only drew a little over 28,000 spectators. But if you ask anyone that was there, the atmosphere was so electric, it felt like 50,000 were packing the rafters. This all comes down to the issue of pride, spirit and unconditional support for the boys and for our club - something I was extremely proud to take part in.

Big name players like Tallis, Webcke, Gee and Berrigan have copped a huge share of criticism in the last month, especially after poor performances in the origin series. A visit to any NRL forum or chat room would have immediately resulted in seeing claims such as "Webcke is a has been" or "Tallis is over-rated and will never get his form back". The fantastic performance they all put in last night not only did wonders for the team, and themselves as individuals, it also ensured that many of the doubters and armchair critics were preoven very wrong.
 
A man who has surprisingly copped just as much (if not more) criticism than the Queensland players in the past week or two has been Queensland and Broncos coach Wayne Bennett. Wayne is easily one of the most respected men in Australian Sports of any discription - a man who is extremely humble and rational, yet is also very inspirational, in the way he talks and acts. I couldn't believe that so many doubters and bashers came out of the woodwork to say awful things about such a great coach and a terrific man. The win last night did wonders for the coach as well as the players!

You may all be wondering what the main point of this article is - what topics I am trying to cover and what argument I'm trying to make. Quite simply, after attending the game last night, I am just putting virtual pen to paper in order to try and explain how proud I felt sitting in the stands and watching an enthralling game of Rugby League. I hate the fact that armchair critics always rush out of the woodwork calling for blood, like many did after S.O.O II, and that is why it really moved me to see the crowd on their feet, cheering their hearts out and really getting behind our boys.

I've often been asked, or even told, by opposition supporters that as a Broncos fan I have lead a charmed existance. That is a very true statement. As Bronco fans, we are all extremely lucky that our club has been so successful since 1988. However, then many ask me whether I would stick by the club through tough times. I always respond with; "Premierships, or wooden spoons. No matter what, I'll still be there in the stands every second weekend cheering them on. Do you know why? Pride and the Bronco spirit!"
 
Make no mistake, the spirit of Rugby League and the support and pride in the Broncos club is very much alive in this city.