Raiders and Broncos still reckoning with the legacy of a classic

The Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos are set to face each other again, marking the first encounter since their unforgettable 2025 semi-final. That match concluded with the Broncos securing a nail-biting 29-28 victory in the 94th minute of double extra time. The scheduling of this rematch is seen as a missed opportunity, coming long after the initial drama and lacking the potential blockbuster status it could have held.

Both clubs are grappling with the legacy of past glories and the subsequent challenges. The Raiders have not reached the top four in consecutive seasons for three decades, while the Broncos have not achieved this feat in twenty years. This season, both teams have struggled to carry the weight of their histories and the expectations that come with them.

The 2025 semi-final was a pivotal moment: the Raiders' momentum faltered just as the Broncos' began to surge. This surge culminated in a series of matches that many consider among the greatest in NRL history. The Raiders experienced a remarkable escape, coming back from a 16-point deficit with 15 minutes remaining. For the Broncos, their preliminary final win against the Panthers was cathartic, exorcising the demons of their previous grand final loss with a dominant performance.

Their grand final victory over Melbourne was their most glorious, capping an incredible run. While they may win more premierships, they will likely never win one quite like that again. After a 20-year drought, it was a career-defining title. However, the Broncos have had a difficult start to their current season. A spate of early injuries exposed weaknesses in their roster, leading to a string of 12 losses in their last 13 games. Veteran players like Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds appear to be past their prime, and younger talents are also struggling to maintain form.