Battered Broncos farewell Thaiday
MAD Monday couldn’t come soon enough for Brisbane who began toasting retired stalwart Sam Thaiday on Suncorp Stadium’s turf soon after they were sensationally knocked out of the NRL finals.
But the ever-bubbly Thaiday couldn’t cheer up the sombre circle of Broncos drowning their sorrows just hours after being ambushed 48-18 by St George Illawarra in Sunday’s elimination final.
In fact, even the extrovert Thaiday had to fight back tears when the Dragons rout abruptly ended his 16-season, 304-game career – all with the Broncos.
“I said I wanted to go out and have a beer out there and everyone came out,” Thaiday said of the impromptu drinks session. “It was fantastic to have all the boys out there and share one last moment with them on the field.
“There were a lot of ‘thank yous’ out there, a bit of selfreflection. It was quite nice and a little bit emotional.
“It has been a fantastic honour and privilege to have been a Bronco – I am definitely going to miss it.”
Thaiday – remaining in full players’ kit – still tried to entertain his shell-shocked teammates for the last time on Sunday night. It was easy to see why Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said Thaiday would be remembered as “the most popular Bronco”.
“We will all miss him. He’s been great for the club,” Bennett said. “I will miss him for all the work he does behind the scenes with the young players.”
Thaiday leaves the Broncos with a production line of young forward talent including David Fifita, Payne Haas, Jaydn Su’A, Tevita Pangai, Joe Ofahengaue and Patrick Mago.