Mad Monday couldn't come soon enough for Brisbane who began toasting retired stalwart Sam Thaiday on Suncorp Stadium's turf soon after they were sensationally knocked out of the NRL finals.
But the ever bubbly Thaiday couldn't cheer up the sombre circle of Broncos drowning their sorrows just hours after being ambushed 48-18 by St George Illawarra in Sunday's elimination final boilover.
In fact, even the extrovert Thaiday had to fight back tears when the Dragons rout abruptly ended his 16 season, 304 game career - all with the Broncos.
"I said I wanted to go out and have a beer out there and everyone came out," Thaiday said of the impromptu drinks session.
"It was fantastic to have all the boys out there and share one last moment with them on the field; I wanted to soak up as much as I can.
"There were a lot of 'thank yous' out there, a bit of self reflection. It was quite nice and a little bit emotional.
"It has been a fantastic honour and privilege to have been a Bronco - I am definitely going to miss it."
The former Brisbane captain and ex-Test prop said he tried to cherish every moment of his final game, even holding onto hope of a miracle win as the Dragons piled on the points.
"I still had hope there but as the game went on there was a bit of 'self talk' and a little bit of head noise and when that siren went I was flooded with emotion," he said.
Thaiday - remaining in full players' kit - still tried to entertain his shell-shocked teammates for the last time on Sunday night.
It was easy to see why Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said Thaiday would be remembered as "the most popular Bronco".
"We will all miss him. He's been great for the club," Bennett said.
"I will miss him for all the work he does behind the scenes with the young players."
Thaiday leaves the Broncos with a production line of young forward talent including David Fifita, Payne Haas, Jaydn Su'A, Tevita Pangai, Joe Ofahengaue and Patrick Mago.
"The loss (to the Dragons) was definitely heartbreaking," Thaiday said.
"For a lot of them it was their first time playing semi-final footy so they know what the hype is and the week is going to be like going forward now.
"I am excited to be a Broncos fan next year and watch them and see how they go."
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