NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos claim wooden spoon after defeat to North Queensland Cowboys

The Brisbane Broncos have earned their first wooden spoon in club history after losing in their season finale to the North Queensland Cowboys 32-16 on Thursday night.

The loss confirmed the Broncos would finish bottom of the NRL standings with just three wins from 20 games this season, losing 17 of their 18 games after the season resumed from the coronavirus-enforced shut down in March. 

"It's definitely not the finish we wanted, extremely disappointing," says interim coach Peter Gentle.

"The table doesn't lie, we're there and it puts us in a good position to work really hard and make sure it doesn't happen again."

Desperate to avoid the spoon, the Broncos raced out to an early 12-0 lead, but the Cowboys fought back to take the lead and they never looked back with wing Kyle Feldt scoring a hat-trick.

The match was the last NRL match for Darius Boyd, while Gavin Cooper played his final game for the Cowboys. 

NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos claim wooden spoon after defeat to North Queensland Cowboys

Interim NZ Warriors coach Todd Payten will join the Cowboys at the conclusion of the season, having signed a three-year deal with the Townsville-based club. 

Cowboys interim coach Josh Hannay says there is "lots of work to do" to help improve the club, who have finished inside the bottom four over the last three years. 

"There is work to be done," he says. " But there's a crop of young players coming through htta the club needs to develop. 

"They're the future and the way to move forward. While there's work to be done, there is enough talent to suggest if the club gets it right, there are better days ahead."

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