Grand Final ’26 Review: Brisbane Boilover as Walsh Dominates Storm
In the wake of a historic Grand Final, Paul Kent and Warren Livingstone dissect a season finale that finally quenched a 19-year drought for the Brisbane Broncos. While Kent admits it wasn't the greatest spectacle in history, he argues it provided the perfect "icing on top" for a season defined by resilience and high-stakes drama.
Michael Maguire’s Vindication
The narrative of the match was inextricably linked to Broncos coach Michael Maguire, who Kent believes has firmly silenced his critics. Despite facing intense scrutiny over his "steel sharpen steel" methods and the suggestion that the Broncos could only be coached by a Queenslander, Maguire’s "tough love" approach proved the difference. Kent noted that Maguire's emotional reaction to the win was a clear sign of the "pressure valve being released." He highlighted the team’s incredible mental fortitude, pointing out that Brisbane trailed at half-time in all three of their finals matches, only to claw back and win each one.
Reece Walsh: The Phenomenon
A standout performance from Reece Walsh has sparked debate about his place in Grand Final history. Kent, while occasionally critical of Walsh’s "cocky" attitude and defensive "laziness" in past games, acknowledged that Walsh delivered when it mattered most. Kent described Walsh as a "phenomenon" whose profile outside of the game—bolstered by over a million followers on social media—is bringing new audiences to rugby league. "What Reece Walsh provides on the field and off the field is unbelievable," Kent stated, crediting Maguire for educating the young fullback on both fitness and defensive positioning.
The Resilience of the Broncos Spine
The match was a testament to Brisbane's depth and preparation. Despite losing halfback Adam Reynolds to a calf injury and his replacement, Ben Hunt, to a concussion, the Broncos managed to navigate the final ten minutes without a specialist halfback. Kent praised the coaching foresight that saw forwards like Jordan Ricky training in the centers and wings throughout the season, allowing the team to adapt when "catastrophe happens." He also singled out Ezra Mam for his "high energy" performance off the bench and Payne Haas, whose "overflowing" battery in the second half solidified his status as the dominant prop of his era.
Entertainment and the Night Final Debate
Beyond the on-field action, Kent was impressed by the pre-match entertainment provided by American singer Teddy Swims. Despite battling illness all week, Swims "nailed it," commanding the stadium audience in a way Kent compared to the spectacle of the Super Bowl. This high-production value, combined with strong television ratings, has seemingly ended the debate over returning to daytime Grand Finals. Kent, a former advocate for the afternoon slot, admitted the night-time atmosphere brings an "added air of entertainment" that is hard to replicate in the daylight.
Looking Ahead: The Melbourne Fallout and R360
For the Melbourne Storm, the loss marks their second consecutive Grand Final defeat and continues their premiership drought in the post-Cameron Smith era. Kent suggested that while the Storm spine remains the best in the league, they lacked the "punch" of the Broncos' middle forwards. Meanwhile, the shadow of the R360 breakaway league continues to loom over the competition. With stars like Payne Haas and Cameron Munster linked to new ventures, Kent expressed hope that the game’s elite would prioritise their "legacy" and stay within the NRL.
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