What must have been the most nail-biting, absolutely theatrical Grand Final in NRL history has just taken place in Sydney, tonight, crowning the North Queensland Cowboys with their first ever premiership, and snatching the Brisbane Broncos of their seventh by a SINGLE. BLOODY. POINT, finishing up 17-16.
The first-time, all-QLD tête-à-tête took place at the ANZ Stadium, decided by a golden point as the Cowboys pulled off a fucking miracle in the *80th* minute, as Kyle Feldt cruised his way towards the game’s final try, quashing what could well have been a noble Brisbane victory of 16-12.
Respect must go to Cowboys captain Johnathon Thurston who was charged with the golden point kick – an absolutely heartbreaking failed attempt, as an unlikely thomp off the right post crushed what would have been a spectacular finish.
Not done yet, the rare five minutes of extra time to decide the premiership and break the tie went down, as Thurston—now, the Immortal—took charge of what he’d lost moments earlier and nailed the final and deciding field goal.
I’m not even a diehard NRL fan, folks. But this—this!—was genuinely bloody thrilling.
here it is North Queensland fans enjoy it #NRLGF pic.twitter.com/4MArKVIFmw
— Bryce Parker (@bryce_parker26) October 4, 2015
But as the ledges at QPS Media said before the game, the best State won.
It’s the #NRLGF and may the best state win. However you choose to celebrate or commiserate, don’t drink and drive.#Ridemcowboys #Bronxnation #RememberTheTitans?
Posted by Queensland Police Service on Saturday, 3 October 2015
Sydney even transformed itself for the occasion: mercury rose to a comfortable QLD level: *just* underneath “Get Fucked” and *just* above “Spring“, while taps were ceremoniously switched to XXXX Gold.
Tonight’s game was the first QLD vs QLD Grand Final in history, the first Grand Final led by two Indigenous captains, the second ever Grand Final for the North Queensland Cowboys, and the seventh Grand Final for the Brisbane Broncos.
And, aptly, it started with some MF Cold Chisel.
YES M8. via
A thrilling first half ended on a knife’s edge, with the Broncos leading the Cowboys 14-12 – a penalty goal at minute 5 (to Brisbane, secured by Corey Parker) being the only thing to separate either side.
Pour one up Queensland, you’ve either got a reason to celebrate or commiserate, and a public holiday tomorrow to sleep it off.
Lead image by Cameron Spencer via Getty.
