New Coates unleashed as 2006 Broncos provide incentive
Joel Gould |
Injury-ravaged Brisbane will unveil debutant Phil Coates against the high-flying Warriors with the lessons of the 2006 grand final triumph set to inspire.
Coach Michael Maguire, prop Ben Talty and five-eighth Ezra Mam were in attendance at the club’s 20-year luncheon on Friday to celebrate the 2006 heroes.
The greatest Broncos to lace a boot spoke about a season that had massive hurdles to overcome. Captain Darren Lockyer recalled how his leadership and move to No.6 came under media scrutiny, particularly after the side lost five-straight games following the State of Origin period.
Brisbane also made numerous positional changes with veteran unknown Shane Perry moving to halfback, Justin Hodges switching to fullback and Shaun Berrigan to hooker.
The adversity reminded Mam of what the Broncos had to overcome to win the title last year and their situation this season where due to injury they have had to go to the NRL for special dispensation to select players outside the squad.
“It gave me goose bumps listening to them,” Mam said.
“We had pretty much the same scenarios ourselves last year in our season, went through a rough patch and came out the other end.
“(Lockyer) said they had a rough patch after Origin but further along in the season they stuck together and bonded in the finals.”
Legendary prop Shane Webcke, who went out a winner in 2006, also made the point that when you wear a Broncos jersey you are expected to perform whether a rookie or veteran.
“I think that’s a special trait or culture to have. It was pretty special to sit there and watch the ’06 boys up there … all legends of the game,” Maguire said.
“They’ve done special things just like the current crop (in 2025). To hear them talk about what the Broncos mean to them, that’s the special part.
“It’s nice to be around those old boys that talk so fondly of their time here.
“The current crop have got their opportunity now and the biggest reminder I got yesterday is just making the time count because that’s what those boys now look back on.
“For this current crop, it’ll be 2045 for those boys to be doing the same thing.”
The debut of 19-year-old Coates on the wing will be a special moment for his family and the club. Xavier Coates, now at Melbourne, made his debut for Brisbane after coming through the system.
“Phil’s focused on getting out there and performing. That’s the key, being able to perform and be your best,” Maguire said.
“I’m looking forward to him being able to create his own story. I think his brother would say the same thing. Xavier’s done some great things in the game.
“It’s now Phil’s turn to show what he’s capable of. He’s been through plenty, like every player and worked really hard. I think he’ll create his own highlight reel in time.”
AAP