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How Broncos can use shorter turnaround to their advantage
Nicholas Quinlan • October 2nd, 2025 7:25 pm
Former Brisbane player Brent Tate believes that the Broncos can use the shorter turnaround to their advantage in Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.
The Broncos, following their win against the Penrith Panthers on Sunday, are now in the midst of a week turnaround for their grand final clash against Melbourne.
But in comparison to the Storm, who have had two extra days of rest following their prelim win last Friday, this has created concerns that Brisbane is at a significant disadvantage.
However, the centre thinks that coach Michael Maguire will be able to use the situation to his advantage to keep his players motivated in a us-versus-them mentality for Sunday’s decider.
“I think the two days off going into Grand Final week is a huge advantage,” Tate said on SENQ Breakfast.
“You won’t hear (the) Broncos using it as an excuse, and as a matter of fact, they can use it to their advantage really.
“Us against them, and the world’s against us with that bunker down mentality.”
This, according to Tate, was a similar mentality that the Broncos under Wayne Bennett harnessed in the 2006 Grand Final when they managed to beat a much-favoured Melbourne side.
And he believes that this iteration of the team has a similar mindset, which was shown in their preliminary final win against the Panthers.
“We went into that grand final as huge underdogs,” he added.
“I remember Wayne talking about that our strength is in our forward pack and we are going to take them on in the middles.
“And looking back, to get the job done over a team that had probably only lost three or four (games), I think (in) Melbourne.
“But that belief in the team and the belief in the squad, and you know what, Brisbane look like they have got that look about them.
“They have been down 14-nil against Penrith, and they get the job done. They just look ready.”
The NRL Grand Final takes place on October 5 at Accor Stadium.
SEN will have live coverage of the match, with fans having the option of either a Broncos or Storm-themed call alongside a neutral option, which will be available through the SEN app.
