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AAP
AAP
Sport
Joel Gould

Parcell's 2015 heroics at AAMI Park can inspire Broncos

Ex-Brisbane rake Matt Parcell tackles Cameron Munster in a famous 14-12 win at AAMI Park in 2015 (David Crosling/AAP PHOTOS)

Brisbane have won just three times in their history at AAMI Park and in 2015 it was three-game rookie Matt Parcell who showed the commitment and courage that is required to achieve that difficult feat.

The defending premiers are away to Melbourne on Friday night in the grand final rematch after two losses to start the season. They will need the kind of defensive clout bench hooker Parcell showcased in a 14-12 away win 11 years ago.

With seconds remaining on the clock and just three metres from the tryline, former Storm forward Felise Kaufusi picked out Parcell to charge over.

But the diminutive Parcell held his ground and made a classic ball-and-all tackle to cut the rampaging back-rower down in his tracks to secure the win.

Parcell, now playing in the Queensland Cup with Western Clydesdales after a decorated career with Brisbane, Manly and Hull KR, recalled the moment and reflected on what is required to beat the Storm.

Matt Parcell.
Western Clydesdales hooker Matt Parcell has reflected on his 2015 heroics for Brisbane at AAMI Park. (Russell Freeman/AAP PHOTOS)

"We were under the pump on our tryline and in that situation, when the game is on the line, it was all about coming up with a big defensive play," Parcell told AAP.

"It was the last tackle of the match and Felise picked me out. I did what I had to do to stop the try. 

"I prefer to attack than defend but it was all about getting the job done. It was a big moment in my career and a memorable win. It is extremely tough to go to Melbourne and win."

Matt Parcell.
Matt Parcell (r) celebrated wins in all six games he played for Brisbane in 2015. (Dan Peled/AAP PHOTOS)

Since AAMI Park was opened in 2010 the Broncos have played Melbourne at the venue 16 times, with 2010, 2015 and 2016 their only triumphs.

In 2015 the victory was built on defensive resolve after Brisbane repelled wave after wave of Storm attacking raids. Parcell made 30 tackles in just 25 minutes, with only one missed.

The Broncos have worked overtime on their defence ahead of Friday night's clash. Parcell's example is a shining light.

"The game gets broken down into moments and if you win those moments you can do great things," Parcell said.

"In the week leading up to it I knew that being a smaller guy I would get targeted, so I did a fair bit of practice."

When Parcell returned from England at the start of 2025 he was going to hang up the boots but the chance to play under his former Ipswich coaches Ben and Shane Walker at the Clydesdales changed his plans.

"I'm loving it. As soon as Ben and Shane called me it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," he said.

"We had great success at Ipswich and I wouldn't have experienced the NRL and Super League without them"

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