Mad Monday couldn’t come soon enough for Brisbane who began toasting retired stalwart Sam Thaiday on Suncorp Stadium’s turf soon after they were sensationally knocked out of the NRL finals race.
But the ever bubbly Thaiday couldn’t cheer up the sombre circle the Broncos formed with beers in hand in the middle of the field just hours after being ambushed 48-18 by St George Illawarra in Sunday’s elimination final boilover.
In fact, even the extrovert Thaiday had to fight back tears when the Dragons rout abruptly ended his 16 season, 304 game career – all with the Broncos.
“It was a very tough game, definitely not the result we wanted,” an emotional Thaiday said.
“I am very disappointed but it has been a fantastic ride, a fantastic journey.
“It’s been an honour and privilege to be able to wear the Broncos jersey for such a long time and we have a good bunch of young kids who will continue that.”
The former Brisbane captain and ex-Test prop said he tried to savour every moment of his final game, even as the Dragons started to blow out the scoreline.
“There was a lot of self talk, just trying to enjoy that last little bit – I am going to miss playing footy here,” Thaiday said.
“I was really looking forward to getting out here.
“Even at halftime I felt we were still in the game (trailing 28-10).
“We’ve come back before from that situation but it wasn’t our day.”
Thaiday – the only Bronco still in full players’ kit – still tried to entertain his shellshocked teammates for the last time as they drowned their sorrows in the middle of the deserted Suncorp Stadium on Sunday night.
It was easy to see why Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said Thaiday would be remembered as “the most popular Bronco”.
“We will all miss him. He’s been great for the club,” Bennett said.
“I will miss him for all the work he does behind the scenes with the young players.”
Thaiday leaves the Broncos with a production line of young forward talent including David Fifita, Payne Haas, Jaydn Su’A, Tevita Pangai, Joe Ofahengaue and Patrick Mago.
“It’s sad to go out this way but he needs to hold his head up high,” Brisbane skipper Darius Boyd said of Thaiday.
Thaiday may not be back but Bennett was confident he would have a full squad quota at pre-season training.
Bennett backed long term injury concerns Jack Bird, Matt Gillett, Su’A and Haas to be fit for their first session back.