Broncos fans will remember the moment, and they will remember it well. 2006 grand final against the Melbourne Storm. One hooker by the name of Casey McGuire who delivered the knock-out pass that won them the game.
Fast-forward 5 years into the future, and the hero from that game has returned to the NRL with the Parramatta Eels from ESL slide Catalans.
It was amazingly, 13 years ago, that the now 31-year old McGuire made his debut for the Eels has an 18 year old.
“I played two games for Parramatta when I was 19 back in 1998 and have fond memories of the place and was delighted that I was given the chance to return,” McGuire said on Wednesday.
With the Eels being given next to no chance of winning the title, if their trial form is anything to go by, it would suggest that new coach Stephen Kearney has had an immediate impact, with the Eels winning their final 2 trials convincingly.
With many having grave concerns about the new Eels recruits, labeled by some as ‘Dad’s Army’, McGuire has no qualms with that term, and says that the Eels are ready for the season ahead.
“The youngsters look real good players and the coach is very confident they can do a job,” McGuire said.
“Us older guys take things people say in our stride but I guess it would be satisfying to prove some people wrong.
“We don’t really pay much attention to what others are saying, we have trained really well and had some good results in the trials.
“The mood is good and we will take on the Warriors full of confidence on Saturday.”
Despite being more accustomed to playing five-eighth or halfback, McGuire will start the game at dummy half, a role that he says, he is more than pleased to play.
“I like playing there and enjoy seeing a lot of the ball,” he said.
“We have some real good players in this side, particularly in the backs and halves with Haynesy (Jarryd Hayne), Morts (Daniel Mortimer) and Jeff Robson.
“We have developed a good understanding and hopefully that will continue when the season starts and if my first game back against the Warriors can have a similar finish to the last one I played for Brisbane, it will be a great way to come back.”