Rugby league: Fans throw wooden spoons on Brisbane Broncos training field to cap off humiliating NRL season

A Brisbane Broncos staffer had his work cut out at the club's headquarters today. Photo / Screenshot

The Brisbane Broncos started perfectly against the North Queensland Cowboys but a horrid season has seen an equally horrible end.

For the first time in 33 years, the Broncos have claimed the wooden spoon, finishing last in 2020 after a 32-16 loss on Thursday night.

A poor Brisbane staffer had his work cut out on Friday morning, picking up dozens of actual wooden spoons left at the club's Red Hill headquarters by disgruntled supporters after it officially hit rock bottom.

In a farewell for Darius Boyd, who was retiring after his 337th match in the NRL, it all started so perfectly for the Broncos against the Cowboys with Payne Haas opening the scoring after just three minutes.

But following an innocuous looking tackle, gun centre Kotoni Staggs stayed on the turf and early indications are he'd suffered an ACL injury, which would rule him out for months.

It's a brutal blow for the Broncos star, who was seemingly firming for a NSW State of Origin berth after being one of the few shining lights for Brisbane this season.

The trainers called for the medicab but Staggs was helped from the field, unable to put pressure on his injured leg.

A Brisbane Broncos staffer had his work cut out at the club's headquarters today. Photo / Screenshot

"He clutched for it straight away, it's not good signs for the Broncos," Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston told Channel 9.

Commentator Paul Vautin added: "Almost a hyperextension really.

"Lots of pressure on that knee, it's buckled."

The injury was the last thing the Broncos needed but Boyd went out with a try soon after to open up a 12-0 lead after 12 minutes.

However, after losing their most potent attacking weapon in Staggs, it all went downhill for the wooden spooners as three tries from the 20th minute gave the Cowboys 16-12 lead at the break.

While there was a grind early in the second half before Corey Oates evened up the score with a 54th minute try, the Cowboys had more in the tank, running away with three tries in 12 minutes to take the Broncos to 11 straight losses.

It was a horrific end to a sad season with scandal, coaching dramas and constant pressure on the club after substandard performances on the field.