Broncos Halt Panthers’ Five-Peat Bid as Frenzied Fans Mob Nine Reporter Post-Victory

Brisbane Broncos Stun Penrith Panthers in Thrilling Comeback, Advance to NRL Grand Final
By Australian Associated Press | Updated: 10:32 BST, 28 September 2025

The Brisbane Broncos delivered a heart-stopping 16-14 victory over the Penrith Panthers in Sunday’s preliminary final, crushing the Panthers’ quest for a historic fifth consecutive NRL premiership. The win sets up a fierce grand final clash with rivals Melbourne Storm on October 5.

[Image: Channel Nine reporter Abby Geran surrounded by ecstatic Broncos fans at Caxton Hotel.]

In a match that will be etched in NRL history, the Broncos overturned a 14-0 halftime deficit at a packed Suncorp Stadium. Captain Adam Reynolds sealed the win with a clutch sideline conversion in the 77th minute, redeeming his infamous miss in the 2021 Grand Final while playing for South Sydney against Penrith.

“The Broncos are never beaten,” Reynolds said post-match, reflecting on his game-winning kick. His leadership shone as Brisbane mounted a second-half surge, silencing Penrith’s 1,463-day reign as premiers.

Panthers Dominance Crumbles
Penrith seemed unstoppable early, with winger Paul Alamoti scoring two tries. However, the Broncos’ defense held firm, highlighted by Jordan Riki’s crucial tackle on Nathan Cleary to prevent a 20-point Panthers lead.

[Image: Broncos players celebrating Reynolds’ winning kick amid roaring fans.]

The turning point came when Reynolds set up Kotoni Staggs with a deflected grubber kick, sparking Brisbane’s resurgence. Xavier Willison barged over the line in the 70th minute, and fullback Reece Walsh assisted Deine Mariner’s try minutes later. Walsh, having missed a prior conversion, selflessly handed Reynolds the decisive kick—a moment of poetic justice for the veteran halfback.

Chaotic Celebrations
Fans erupted across Brisbane, flooding Caxton Street in a sea of maroon and gold. Channel Nine reporter Abby Geran was mobbed by overjoyed supporters during a live broadcast outside the Caxton Hotel. “This is what rugby league is about—pure passion!” she exclaimed.

[Image: Penrith players dejected after final whistle at Suncorp Stadium.]

The Broncos’ resilience is legendary this season, having clawed back from deficits of 18, 16 (twice), and 14 points. Their latest feat adds another chapter to their gritty legacy.

Grand Final Showdown Looms
Brisbane now faces the Melbourne Storm, reigniting one of the NRL’s fiercest rivalries. The Storm, who edged the Sydney Roosters in their preliminary final, are vying for their first title since 2020.

[Image: Adam Reynolds celebrates with teammates after his match-winning kick.]

Penrith’s era of dominance ends here, but coach Ivan Cleary praised his squad: “They’ve left an indelible mark on the game.” For Brisbane, the focus shifts to breaking their own 19-year premiership drought.

Catch the NRL Grand Final live on Sunday, October 5, as the Broncos and Storm battle for glory.

[Image: Broncos fans cheering with banners and flags in Caxton Street.]

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Nine reporter swarmed by hysterical Broncos fans after epic win over Penrith.

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