Gizzy Glory: Guireh Brooks kicks after the siren game-winner

Credit: Grip-N-Rip Photography 

By Chase Christensen

Bernie Foley Oval featured generational scenes on the afternoon of May 17, as Bribie Island’s beloved Warrigals C-Grade team took down the first-place Mary Valley Stags in a one-point thriller. 

This match capped off a perfect last month for the Warrigals, as they have won their last three games, with a well-earnt bye round in between. 

Bribie v Palmwoods 

Following Bribie’s first win of the season against Yandina, they slaughtered Palmwoods in their first home game of the season. It was an emphatic 56–8 score line—Bribie’s largest winning margin this year by far. The balance of the game was fully tipped after just 20 minutes, as the Warrigals piled on four quick tries. Their attack was unstoppable and their defence equally as good. 

It was a fiery match, with three sin bins and a send-off due to several different instances. Despite the Warrigals having as few as 11 players on the field for a period, they stuck to their guns and kept heavy control of the game. 

The man of the match was Guireh "Gizzy" Brooks, who put on a show once again. The crowd highly appreciated the performance from both him and the squad. Anytime Brooks touches the ball, the defence is on the back foot and most of the time a game-changer occurs. This, however, was nothing compared to the cinema he provided in the following match. 

Bribie v Mary Valley 

An all-or-nothing penalty kick was taken 30 metres out from the goalposts and slightly left of centre. Guireh Brooks composed himself for a kick that was harder than it sounds—keeping a kick on a straight angle in the air for more than 30 metres is no easy task in rugby league. 

A movie was playing out before the penalty kick was set to take place. The scores were locked at 12-all with just under 10 minutes remaining. Jake Murcutt nailed a field goal to move the lead to 13–12. The Warrigals were in front, but they knew that eight minutes was a long time in rugby league; they had to remain composed. 

The feeling of the last few minutes dragging on prevailed, as Mary Valley managed to receive a penalty in front of their attacking goalposts in the 66th minute (of a 70-minute game). This moved the score to 14–13. It was a last-inch effort in the dying minutes that secured the win for Bribie, though—from Brooks’ game-winning kick as mentioned earlier. 

The crowd let out a roar as loud as the noise when the Pope is chosen. The ‘Pig Pen’ area of the venue went berserk as Gizzy sealed the win in incredible fashion. 

Despite not wanting to take the penalty kick and doubting his ability, Gizzy had the full support of the team behind him. 

"What a game that was.. never to forget,” Gizzy said. “Without the compassion and encouragement from them (the team), it could have been a different outcome. Thanks boys!  “Once I put the ball on the tee getting ready to kick, I don't remember a lot, just some yelling but I was in the moment. It was just all a feeling I will never forget. The ball felt good off the boot, it was in. The crowd was amazing and how about the awesome field goal from our very own Jake Murcutt. Beauty. Everyone on the team played their part to get us the win. Up the Warrigals!" 

This was the Warrigals’ third straight victory, moving their win/loss record to 3–1. They now sit tied on competition ladder points with Mary Valley, Kilcoy and Caloundra. However, they are in third place due to point differential. This league has just one win separating first and sixth place, which proves how tight the current competition is. 

They take on Caloundra, Beerwah and Beachmere in upcoming games—all away matches. After knocking off first-place Mary Valley, expectations are now high enough that they should win their upcoming matches.  

It’ll be another wild ride this month, so the boys will need flourishing support.