Brisbane Broncos beat Melbourne Storm to win first NRL premiership 2025 in 19 years.
SYDNEY — The Brisbane Broncos roared back from a 10-point halftime deficit to edge the Melbourne Storm 26-22 in a thrilling NRL grand final on Sunday night at Accor Stadium.
Star fullback Reece Walsh was the difference, scoring a try, setting up three more, and pulling off two crucial try-saving tackles as Brisbane held off a furious late charge from Melbourne before 80,223 fans.
The victory marks the Broncos’ seventh premiership — and their first since 2006 — erasing memories of their heartbreaking loss to Penrith in the 2023 decider.
Melbourne dominated the opening half, racing to a 22-12 lead through tries from Nick Meaney, Eliesa Katoa, Will Warbrick, and Jahrome Hughes. Brisbane stayed in touch with early efforts from Deine Mariner and Walsh.
But the second half belonged to the Broncos. Despite losing veteran halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt to injury in the closing stages, Brisbane surged ahead with Walsh creating tries for Gehamat Shibasaki and Mariner.
A desperate covering tackle from Walsh on Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen sealed the win and ended the club’s 19-year championship drought.
Earlier Sunday, Brisbane’s women’s side also claimed glory, defeating the Sydney Roosters 22-18 to secure their first NRLW title in five years.
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