Bronco Prop makes it 251

Veteran Broncos prop Shane Webcke will celebrate his 251st first grade match for the Broncos against the Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday (June 2).

In a break from tradition, the Broncos and Webcke will celebrate the ‘unusual’ milestone when Webcke leads his Baby Broncos in to Sunday’s battle. Usually the Broncos celebrate landmark matches such as 100, 200 and 250, but Webcke made a special request for Sunday’s game to be marked as significant in his career.

“I have nothing against Brookvale Oval, the people of Sydney or Sea Eagles supporters, but I did not want to celebrate something as important to me as this, away from home,” Webcke explained today.

“I looked at the draw and realised that the Sharks game would be a really big one for the club, and for me personally. With so many players unavailable because of Origin commitments and injury, this is a very important game for the Broncos. I am pleased now that it has additional significance for me.”

In the absence of Test and Origin skipper Darren Lockyer, Webcke will again captain the Broncos on Sunday – for the 10th time, and possibly the last. He hangs up his boots at the end of Season 2006.

Webcke has become just the sixth Broncos player to reach the 250-game milestone, following hot on the heels of Lockyer who achieved the feat in round five against the Rabbitohs. The other four ahead of him are Michael Hancock, Allan Langer, Kevin Walters and Andrew Gee.

His 250 first grade matches for the club include 241 NRL games, eight Super League World Challenge matches (1997) and the World Club Championship final, against St Helens, in 2001. Webcke joined the Broncos in 1994 and made his NRL debut in 1995, against North Sydney.

Webcke has played 21 State of Origin games for Queensland and 20 Tests for Australia.