There’s no question that across the 1990s, no team was as dominant as the Brisbane Broncos. In that decade, Brisbane clinched five titles, including the 1997 Super League. They continued their success by defeating the Roosters in the 2000 grand final. However, the 1998 premiership held special significance, as former Broncos superstar Steve Renouf explained to foxsports.com.au.
“It was the inaugural NRL competition and that was massive,” Renouf said. “That was the first year of the premiership rings as well.” The Broncos, having conquered the Super League in its only year, seamlessly transitioned to the newly formed NRL, finishing as minor premiers and defeating the Bulldogs in the 1998 decider with one of the all-time great grand final teams.
Despite an early hiccup in the finals when the Broncos lost to Parramatta, they bounced back, defeating the Storm and Roosters to reach the final. Favored to beat the Bulldogs, Brisbane trailed 12-10 at halftime. Renouf recalled, “We got a revving. We hadn’t really hit our straps. I was quiet, Alf was quiet. We thought as the senior guys in our group we had to step up and lead the way.” The Broncos scored 28 unanswered points in the second half, securing a 38-12 victory.
The Broncos’ 1998 Team: Where Are They Now?
Let’s take a look at where the stars of the 1998 Brisbane Broncos team are today, highlighting their diverse paths post-retirement.
Darren Lockyer
One of the all-time greats, Darren Lockyer played another 13 seasons with the Broncos and successfully switched to five-eighth in 2004. Retiring in 2011 with 355 first-grade games, Lockyer is now a shareholder in MWG Mining, Executive Director of Aura Mining, and Head of Business Affairs at Mayur Resources. A Broncos board member since 2013, he recently acquired 90% of the English second division team, London Broncos, while also serving as an analyst on Channel 9.
Michael De Vere
Promoted to the starting side in 1998 due to an injury, De Vere scored the first try in the grand final. After leaving the Broncos in 2004, he joined the Huddersfield Giants and later made a brief comeback with the Broncos in 2009. De Vere is now a Game Development Officer with the Broncos and Carina Leagues Club, and a Director of Scoble & De Vere, a coaching and consulting business.
Steve Renouf
‘The Pearl’ played one more season with the Broncos before finishing his career in the Super League. After retiring, Renouf was inducted into the National Rugby League Hall of Fame in 2024. He is involved with Hitachi Rail and Indigenous health initiatives, a role he finds fulfilling.
Darren Smith
Smith ended 1998 with a premiership and Dally M Centre of the Year honors. He later returned to the Bulldogs and played for St Helens before finishing his career with the Broncos. Smith is now a high school teacher focusing on vocational education and career pathways.
Wendell Sailor
After switching to rugby union in 2001 and debuting for the Wallabies in 2002, Sailor returned to the NRL with the Dragons in 2008. He had a successful media career and now focuses on family and grassroots opportunities. Sailor is set to fight common assault allegations in court in February 2026.
The Legacy and Impact of the 1998 Team
The 1998 Broncos team not only left a lasting legacy on the field but also off it. Many players transitioned into diverse careers, contributing significantly to their communities and industries. The team’s success is a testament to their skill and camaraderie, which continues to inspire future generations.
The announcement of the 1998 team’s achievements comes as the NRL continues to evolve, with new talents emerging and the league expanding its reach globally. The Broncos’ legacy remains a benchmark for excellence in the sport.
As the league progresses, the stories of these players highlight the varied paths athletes can take post-retirement, emphasizing the importance of planning for life beyond the game. The 1998 Broncos’ journey from champions to community leaders serves as a powerful narrative of resilience and adaptability.
The move represents a broader trend in sports where former athletes leverage their fame and experience to impact various sectors, from business to community service. This development follows a growing recognition of the need for athlete support systems that prepare them for life after sports.
Meanwhile, the Broncos’ 1998 triumph remains a celebrated chapter in rugby league history, symbolizing the pinnacle of team success and individual achievement. As fans look back, the stories of these players continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring spirit of the game and its ability to shape lives both on and off the field.
