A finals epic between the Broncos and Raiders 30 years in the making

This was the dream team scenario when the Brisbane Broncos last met the Canberra Raiders in a NRL finals contest: September 2, 1995.

The two heavyweights of the 1990s will again, at long last, face off in post-season as the minor premiers host the fourth-placed Broncos in a 2025 qualifying final.

The faces in the teams may have changed but the legacy etched in stone three decades ago lingers.

Then Raiders halfback maestro Ricky Stuart this time lines up with the clipboard as coach, while Broncos five-eighth Kevin Walters’ son Billy is now in the Brisbane side, in the same jumper.

This year’s showdown will also be draped in nostalgia as a generation remembers the salary cap-free superteams that turned the NRL into a national game.

The two teams had won five of the previous six grand finals when they met in week one of the finals in 1995, which resulted in a 14-8 victory for the Raiders.

Brisbane would go on to lose their elimination final against the Bulldogs 24-10 the following week, before Canberra would be undone by the same opponent 25-6 in the preliminary final.

So where are the Broncos players from that 1995 game now?

1995 BRONCOS LINE-UP

Julian O’Neill

Current age: 52

NRL games: 228

The often-controversial O’Neill retired from professional rugby league in 2006.

He has since maintained a low profile, while his son has followed in his footsteps by pursuing a rugby league career.

In 2024 he opened up on the most controversial moment of his career: that poo scandal.

“I extremely regretted my part in the whole incident,” O’Neill told Fox Sports.

“It was a prank that went wrong (but) there were a lot of other things that transpired that night.”

Michael Hancock

Current age: 55

NRL games: 274

Famous for his all-action playing style, Hancock works as a Community Game Development Officer for the Brisbane Broncos.

In this role, he coordinates community-based life skill and rugby league programs, continuing to give back to the sport that defined his career.

Steve Renouf

Current age: 55

NRL games: 183

The superstar centre now works for Aurizon, managing Indigenous programs, and serves as an ambassador for the Deadly Choices program.

However, he recently faced legal issues, being charged with high-range drink driving in July.

Darren Smith

Current age: 56

NRL games: 290

The utility has worked in education and rugby league administration, including a role as chief executive of the Brisbane Easts Queensland Cup club.

He also served on the coaching staff at Easts Tigers alongside Steele Retchless.

Willie Carne

Current age: 56

NRL games: 134

After finishing his career in rugby union, Carne is now a real estate agent on the Sunshine Coast.

His post-rugby career has seen him establish himself in the property market, while he remains a recognisable figure for Broncos fans.

Kevin Walters

Current age: 57

NRL games: 291

Walters left his role as Broncos coach in September 2024 and has since moved into commentary for Fox Sports.

He was recently named the head coach of the Australian national rugby league team for the 2025 Kangaroo tour.

Allan Langer

Current age: 59

NRL games: 258

Alfie has remained deeply involved with rugby league, serving as an ambassador for the Brisbane Broncos and working with sponsors to promote the club.

He also continues to contribute to the Queensland State of Origin team as an assistant and trainer.

Glenn Lazarus

Current age: 59

NRL games: 254

The Brick with Eyes pursued a political career, serving as an Australian Senator from 2014 to 2016.

He now describes himself as a “stay-at-home dad” and operates a PR company with his wife.

Kerrod Walters

Current age: 57

NRL games: 223

Walters owns a carpet cleaning business on the Sunshine Coast and serves as a Broncos Ambassador.

He is also a board member of the Sunshine Coast Falcons and has ventured into real estate with his son.

Gavin Allen

Current age: 60

NRL games: 66

The unsung hero of the 1995 roster, Allen transitioned into business at the end of that season, founding Crystal Media Group, a printing company.

He has also served as the team manager for the Australian national rugby league team and as a media manager for the Queensland rugby league team.

Allen remains connected to the sport through these roles, blending his professional expertise with his footy background.

Alan Cann

Current age: 54

NRL games: 132

Cann retired from professional rugby league in 1998 after a stint with the Adelaide Rams. Since then, he has kept a relatively low profile, stepping away from the public eye and rugby league circles.

Wendell Sailor

Current age: 51

NRL games: 222

Big Dell switched to rugby in the early 2000s before returning to the NRL with the Dragons.

After retiring he built a media career, co-hosting Triple M’s Sydney drive show ‘The Rush Hour’.

In 2024, he announced his retirement from commentary to focus on family after facing personal challenges, including an assault charge.

Terry Matterson

Current age: 58

NRL games: 165

Matterson has taken on various coaching roles, including assistant coaching positions with the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos.

He also coached the United States team during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and now serves as Head of Football for Newtown RLFC.

Interchange:

John Plath

Current age: 56

NRL games: 149

John Plath owns and operates a Pool & Landscape Construction Company called Eco Pool Solutions.

He has also been involved in coaching rugby union and remains connected to the Broncos as a regular attendee at home games.

Steele Retchless

Current age: 54

NRL games: 33

Steele Retchless is now a state manager for the Australian beer company Brick Lane.

He has also been involved in coaching at Easts Tigers, continuing his connection to rugby league.

Darren Lockyer

Current age: 48

NRL games: 355

Perhaps the Broncos’ best ever player, then teen Lockyer was the young gun in 1995 who would establish himself as a superstar in the coming seasons.

He still has the record for most games for the club, as well as amassing a mighty rep career.

He has since become a media personality with Channel 9 and in September was linked to buying the London Broncos.

Brett Green

Current age: 53

NRL games: 45

The least-credentialed member of the 1995 side made his debut that season.

The forward would go on to play 45 games for the Broncos and Perth Reds before heading to Gateshead in the UK.

However the club’s collapse meant Green retired in 1999 and returned to Australia.

Since then he has kept a low profile.

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Originally published as A finals epic between the Broncos and Raiders 30 years in the making