Michael Morgan’s pivotal moment in the 2015 NRL Grand Final remains unforgettable. With mere moments left in the game, Morgan dislodged the ball from Anthony Milford’s grasp, leading to one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of the Grand Final. Morgan’s precise flick pass allowed Kyle Feldt to score a crucial try in the corner, leveling the game. The tension reached its peak when Ben Hunt dropped the ball at the beginning of golden point extra time, setting up Johnathan Thurston to kick a field goal that secured the North Queensland Cowboys’ first premiership ever.
For Alex Glenn, who played 288 games for the Brisbane Broncos and was the only non-Australian to captain the team, the sting of that Grand Final loss still lingers nine years later. In a candid interview on Sporting News’ Ebbs and Flows podcast, Glenn reflected on the pain from that game and the premature celebrations that followed. “It absolutely does hurt!” Glenn admitted, expressing regret over his reaction in that moment. Despite the heartache, Glenn was able to find some solace by thinking of his close friend Antonio Winterstein, who played for the Cowboys and had endured personal tragedy with the recent loss of his brother. Glenn’s perspective was that, despite the loss, Winterstein’s victory had a meaningful purpose for him and his brother. “I still go to his house and think ‘that should have been me [with the premiership ring],” Glenn added with a laugh, acknowledging the ongoing sense of disappointment.
The Broncos have faced their share of heartache in recent Grand Finals, including their recent defeat against the Panthers, which still weighs heavily on supporters. Glenn believes that these painful losses should serve as learning experiences for the club. Reflecting on the team’s current struggles, he suggested that understanding and growth from these setbacks are crucial. He noted that despite the loss of key players and the impact of injuries, the team’s core group remains strong. “The question is how do we grow from here?” Glenn said, highlighting the importance of learning from past failures to improve future performance.
With emerging stars like Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Pat Carrigan, Glenn remains optimistic about the Broncos’ prospects. He agrees with coach Kevin Walters that the team has the potential to achieve success in the near future. “Absolutely, we do have the team to do it,” Glenn stated, underscoring his confidence in the team’s capabilities.
During the final years of his Broncos career, Glenn served as captain while these young talents were coming into their own. He believes that the struggles faced during the early 2020s were crucial for developing their resilience and fortitude. “Credit to them boys, they had to learn the hard way,” Glenn observed, acknowledging the tough lessons learned from playing at a high level under intense scrutiny. He emphasized that the Broncos, with their high standards, view failure to make the top four as a learning opportunity. The challenges of those years, including a rare wooden spoon finish, provided valuable lessons and tested the team’s commitment and effort.
Despite the challenges, Glenn saw the determination of the young players as a positive sign. “It was a huge lesson for them, but it showed me that these guys are willing to work hard,” he said, highlighting that the players’ efforts remained commendable despite the tough circumstances. Glenn’s reflections reveal a deep understanding of the Broncos’ journey and the potential for future success, driven by both the lessons learned and the talent within the team.
