Brisbane Broncos head coach Kevin Walters has put a blanket ban on any mentions of the 2023 NRL Grand Final in the build up to the Grand Final rematch against Penrith.
The Broncos were on the verge of ending a 17-year Premiership when they took a 24-8 lead with 20 minutes remaining in the Grand Final until Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary put on a clinic to complete the unprecedented comeback.
SEN’s Greg Alexander said he was confused with Walters’ approach considering revenge is the perfect motivation for such a heartbreaking loss.
“Are the media allowed to talk about the Grand Final or is it just the players?”, Alexander told SENQ.
“I’ll talk about the Grand Final. I don’t mind talking about it.
“The look on the Brisbane fans' faces when Nathan Cleary ran over the try line with two minutes to go, I felt a bit sorry for Broncos fans in that split second.
“The Grand Final was stolen from Brisbane. Doesn’t that inspire everyone in Brisbane to enact revenge?
“I think it’s a good motivator and I looked at the Parramatta side last year and they wanted another crack at it.
“Losing a Grand Final is a great motivator and I’ve done it and been in that position.
“The loss will be a great motivator for Thursday night. There is no doubt about it.”
The Broncos will be without captain Adam Reynolds on Thursday night as they take on the Panthers in Penrith.