Revealed: How a team bonding session in Manly Sea Eagles territory inspired the Broncos to NRL premiership glory

Broncos assistant coach Ben Te'o has revealed how an old-fashioned bonding session in the heart of Sea Eagles territory on Sydney's northern beaches revived the fortunes of his team, who ended up NRL premiers.

Michael Maguire's men appeared to be at breaking point following a 34-6 loss to Manly in round 13 at Brookvale Oval.

It was the club's sixth defeat from seven games - so Te'o spoke with a dejected Pat Carrigan in the sheds.

He suggested a night on the beers in a bid to lift flagging spirits - and the lock, part of Brisbane's leadership group, was all for it.

With Maguire's blessing, the playing group enjoyed one another's company and went on to win 13 of their next 15 matches – notably the 26-22 Grand Final defeat of the Melbourne Storm.

'We went on the p*ss, that's what happened,' Te'o told host Ben Dobbin on the Inside Ball podcast.

'When I think back to that Manly game at Brookvale...  leaving the stadium that day, it was like 'man, we are in big trouble unless we really get on the same page'.

'I talked to Patty Carrigan. I said 'you have to get the boys together for a drink after a loss'.

'We went to the Steyne (in Manly) and the players had a great night out.

'It just took the pressure off, we had a breather, and from that point on, we lost two games. 

'We have a lot to thank Hotel Steyne for. It was a great night.'

Te'o also praised Maguire for allowing the players to let their hair down - and later in the season the entire squad imposed a booze ban to stay on the right path during the finals series.

The end result was the club ending their 19-year title drought.

According to the TAB, Brisbane are $4.75 favourites ahead of the 2026 NRL season, ahead of Melbourne ($5.50) and Penrith ($6.00).

In 2002, the Sydney Roosters had a night out in Manly on a Monday following a slow start to the season - Ricky Stuart's men won the premiership a few months later versus the Warriors.