Thomas Flegler is hoping to see another packed house when the Broncos host Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium this Friday to launch their first finals campaign since 2019.
Despite both teams having 11 regular players out in their Round 27 clash, 43,271 people turned up to Brisbane's rugby league cauldron for last Thursday's game with the sold out sign every chance of going up this time around.
In what was already a milestone match for Flegler, the Round 27 game also delivered some extra flavour after what began as a joke started by his cousin and Broncos squad member this year Jack Campagnolo became , with “bananas up for Flegs” celebrating his last regular home game as a Bronco.
“He started it … the stars just aligned and it started out as a joke, but everyone jumped on board with it,” Flegler said.
“So, I'm the banana man.”
“I was very excited, it's pretty cool being a captain of such a prestigious club like Broncos... but it was a great learning curve and I'll take a lot out of that game. It'll be good to turn around in a few years’ time and say that I captained the Broncos for one game.
“Obviously we didn't get the win but the fans were unreal. Hopefully they can turn up for our first home final.
“It's extremely exciting to have a home final, we've just got to go back to the drawing board now and make sure everyone's fit and healthy.”
Match: Broncos v Storm
Finals Week 1 -
home Team
Broncos
2nd Position
away Team
Storm
3rd Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Broncos hooker Tyson Smoothy, who started the match for the first time in his 10 games he has played this season, was taking on his former club and knew there was improvement needed by his side this time around in their opening finals match.
The Broncos last made a finals appearance in 2019, where they were knocked out in the opening week by the Eels.
“I think we had our chances (against the Storm), but we didn't stick to our game plan,” Smoothy said. "They're too good of a side to give away opportunities to and we just gave away too many.
“It's a really exciting time for the club, we haven't made finals in a couple of years, so I think we're all excited and ready to rip in.”
Flegler agreed there would plenty to work on in training during the week, as well as dealing with high expectations after posting a top-two finish in the regular season.
“Obviously, there's going to be a little bit of outside pressure, but we'll just stay in our little bubble and prepare like it's another game,” Flegler said.
“Things will need to go up another notch, seeing that there's a lot riding on the line, but I'm confident that if we have a good week of training, it can put us in good stead to help us win the game.”
