A fight between rival supporters broke out inside Suncorp Stadium after Penrith’s emphatic 26-0 win over Brisbane in their opening round NRL clash on Friday night.
The Panthers delivered a ruthless performance to underline that their premiership dynasty remains firmly intact, overwhelming the defending premiers in front of 45,566 fans.
Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo controlled the contest from the outset as Penrith surged to an 18-0 halftime lead.
Winger Brian To’o was also outstanding, helping the four-time champions pile on the pressure throughout the night.
Tensions later spilled into the stadium concourse after the final whistle as groups of Broncos and Panthers fans confronted each other.
Vision circulating online shows an initial scuffle involving three people before another supporter joins the clash.
A fight between rival supporters broke out inside Suncorp Stadium after Penrith’s emphatic 26-0 win over Brisbane in their opening round NRL clash on Friday night (pictured)
As tension quickly escalated, a woman wearing Broncos colours (pictured, left) can be seen kicking another fan before a crowd quickly gathers around the incident
A woman wearing Broncos colours can be seen kicking another fan before a crowd quickly gathers around the incident.
Several bystanders attempted to intervene as the confrontation escalated, with one man heard shouting ‘stop, stop’ while trying to separate those involved.
Other minor skirmishes reportedly broke out nearby as stadium staff and spectators worked to calm the situation.
The Broncos condemned the behaviour in a statement released on Saturday and warned that spectators involved in violence could face lengthy bans from Suncorp Stadium.
‘The Brisbane Broncos are aware of an incident involving a small number of spectators at the conclusion of last night’s match at Suncorp Stadium,’ the club said.
‘The behaviour shown in footage circulating online is disappointing and does not reflect the values of the Broncos or the overwhelming majority of fans who support the game in the right spirit.
‘Rugby league is a game for families and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
‘Those involved risk significant sanctions, including long-term bans from attending NRL matches.
On the field the Panthers delivered a ruthless performance to underline that their premiership dynasty remains firmly intact (pictured, halfback Nathan Cleary)
‘Suncorp Stadium and Queensland Police are responsible for stadium security and dealt with the incident at the time, and are investigating further with Broncos to support any appropriate action taken.’
A Queensland Police spokesman confirmed to the Daily Mail they were aware of the incident and assisted venue security – but there have been no further complaints.
This brawl is the latest in a string of violent outbursts at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane’s premier sporting venue.
Over the past decade, the stadium has seen a number of documented incidents of crowd violence, predominantly linked to NRL matches.
In April 2022, a fight broke out in the stands during the ANZAC round game between the Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs, with a fan in a Bulldogs jersey repeatedly punching a Broncos supporter in the face during the pre-game minute’s silence.
Queensland Police attended the scene and removed both men from the stadium, though no assault charges were ultimately laid.
Just weeks later, in May 2022, another brawl erupted on the opening night of NRL Magic Round, with around half a dozen men throwing punches and falling over chairs in the western stand.
Three people were evicted and issued penalty infringement notices for disorderly conduct, but again no formal assault complaints were received.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo publicly condemned the behaviour in the wake of the Magic Round violence and threatened lifetime bans for anyone found engaging in stadium fights.
However, in August 2024, a large-scale brawl involving approximately 15 Dolphins and Warriors fans broke out at the ground, with footage of the incident circulating widely on social media.
