2013 Brisbane Broncos preview
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Ben Te'o in action during the NRL Round 26, Brisbane Broncos v Manly Sea Eagles. AAP Image/Action Photographics/Charles Knight
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Since their inception in 1988, the Brisbane Broncos have been a rugby league powerhouse. So how will they fare in 2013?
Strengths
A top shelf forward pack and back row in particular. Despite losing Ben Te’o, the Broncos will field an extremely classy pack with Ben Hannant and Casey McGuire in the front row, Andrew McCullough at hooker and Alex Glenn, Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker in the back row.
To add to the imposing starting pack, the Broncos have the seriously underrated David Stagg, highly skilled Matt Gillett, and host of hulking props like Scott Anderson, David Hala, Mitchell Dodds and Dunamis Lui.
Weaknesses
The Broncos lack depth in their backline. The loss of Kiwi international Gerard Beale is compounded by the fact Queensland and Australian winger Jharal Yow Yeh has just returned to running and thus is not certain to line-up on the field in round one. That leaves Dale Copley and while he’s a handy player to have around Origin time, not too many clubs would be climbing over each other for his signature when his contract expires.
However Jack Reed is a solid, defensively minded centre and Justin Hodges is the polar opposite, which I think makes for a good balance.
Prediction
Brisbane will not make the top eight. Apart from Hodges, it’s a backline that lacks any real class. The acquisition of Scott Prince raises a few selection headaches in the halves because by signing Prince in the middle of a contract, there is nearly an obligation to start him.
It is an odd signing, as Prince’s last two seasons have been below par and marred with injury and I really can’t see where he is ahead of Peter Wallace.
Wallace is a solid defender, a real trier but doesn’t create enough opportunities for his outside men. He is basically an ugly Mitchell Pearce.
So that leaves five-eighth. Corey Norman needs to step up. He has a dangerous running game but needs to give his team more direction. I would prefer to see him at fullback, where he can concentrate on his running game, but with Josh Hoffman there it is unlikely to happen.
Will finish 10th.
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January 16th 2013 @ 8:26am
oikee said | January 16th 2013 @ 8:26am | Report comment
I have to disagree with you about Copley, this kid is going to be a superstar, he has it written all over him.
Beale and Teo are a loss, but they would have sent us over the cap i think, both are going to be great players, well they both are now.
Dave Hala is back, he is a big plus as we have lost Petro, still all in all, not to bad a team. We should be thereabouts without being brilliant. Scott Prince will bring some structure, something we had little of last year.
January 16th 2013 @ 9:20am
Iggy said | January 16th 2013 @ 9:20am | Report comment
I’d have to agree with Tommygun on Copley I’m afraid oikee. Too often Copley lacks that sharpness in the final 20m before the tryline that great wingers have and is often caught out of position defensively close to the line. Couple those two flaws with an absence of searing pace and he makes for one very average NRL winger.
He is still relatively young but if he was ever going to be a superstar he would have shown some sign of it by now and quite frankly he hasn’t and he never will. As a Brisbane supporter I’d love to be proven wrong but for the past three seasons I’ve cringed whenever Copley is called on to make a crucial play. The fact that he’s seemingly got a bolted on place in the run-on side is an indictment on how lacking Brisbane’s current backline is.
January 16th 2013 @ 11:16am
oikee said | January 16th 2013 @ 11:16am | Report comment
Again, i have seen the progress that Copley has made, and as you say, he is only young. Look, i think Beale is going to be a brilliant player, he was getting their at the Broncos, but i think Copley is going to become a even better player, probably end up as a centre, and will play Origin one day. ?
You see, i put my money where my mouth is, so if he does not make the Origin team with-in 3 years, i will admit i got it wrong.
Their is something about this kid, i seen him finish off a try one day and his coolness under pressure was outstanding.
2 years and his journey should be complete, i also remember knocking Yowyee , so i have learnt my lesson, he went on to play for Australia, i think Copley can be better than Yowyee.
January 16th 2013 @ 11:37am
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 11:37am | Report comment
Oikee i thought i was one-eyed! Love the passion but Copley playing Origin within three years?! Off the top of my head reece robinson, ash graham and justin oneill are better uncapped qld wingers, not to mention Folau when he returns next year!
Copley aside, who will be on the other wing if Yow Yeh isn’t fit for round one?
January 16th 2013 @ 12:11pm
oikee said | January 16th 2013 @ 12:11pm | Report comment
Scratching my head, not sure, and this is a worry before the season even starts. We must have some juniors coming through, looks like Copley will have to stand up and be counted.
I am putting my hopes on young Copley, i have confedence in this kid.
Oh, just thought of him, a young guy who played a game or 2 last year. Whitechurch?
January 16th 2013 @ 1:13pm
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 1:13pm | Report comment
Must admit I dont know a great deal about whitechurch, maybe 2013 will be his year!
January 16th 2013 @ 7:53pm
john said | January 16th 2013 @ 7:53pm | Report comment
jordan kahu if he stays fit
January 17th 2013 @ 9:01pm
Jake said | January 17th 2013 @ 9:01pm | Report comment
Tommy; Reece Robinson was born in Redfern, and played all his junior footy in Sydney, hence is eligible for NSW.
He wouldn’t look out of place however in a season or two on the flank for NSW
January 17th 2013 @ 9:05pm
Jake said | January 17th 2013 @ 9:05pm | Report comment
He also represented Lebanon recently, not sure what that does for his SOO chances.
January 20th 2013 @ 2:45pm
oikee said | January 20th 2013 @ 2:45pm | Report comment
Senior Queensland Emerging Origin squad: Ben Barba (Bulldogs), Justin O’Neill (Storm),”"”"”"” Dale Copley”"”"”"” (Broncos), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly), Andrew McCullough (Broncos), Martin Kennedy (Sydney Roosters), Josh McGuire (Broncos), William Zillman (Titans), Chris McQueen (South Sydney), Josh Papalli (Raiders), Edrick Lee (Raiders), Michael Morgan (Cowboys), Ben Ridge (Titans) and Aidan Guerra (Sydney Roosters).
Junior Queensland Emerging Origin squad: Caleb Timu (Broncos), Corey Oates (Broncos), Chris Grevsmuhl (Cowboys), Hymel Hunt (Titans), Kurt Mann (Melbourne), Ian Riccardi (Penrith), Anthony Milford (Raiders), Travis Peeters (Broncos), Francis Molo (Broncos), Zac Santo (Cowboys), Kierran Moseley (Penrith), Patrick Mago (Raiders), Soape Palau (Broncos), Patrick Kaufusi (Cowboys), Moses Mbye (Bulldogs), Cameron Cullen (Broncos), Brenko Lee (Raiders), Joseph Forrester (Broncos), John Folau (Eels), Billy Brittain (Storm), Ben Hampton (Storm), Luke Keary (South Sydney), Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters), Korbin Sims (Knights), Lachlan Maranta (Broncos), Aaron Whitchurch (Broncos).
As you can see, Copley is already in the senior emerging Origin squad, same as Whitchurch. I only noticed this today. Big Mal must have noticed him as well.
January 16th 2013 @ 4:03pm
Ed said | January 16th 2013 @ 4:03pm | Report comment
Oikee,
Dale copley is anything but class. He continually drops the ball in the process of scoring a try (bread and butter for a winger)
January 16th 2013 @ 4:23pm
Gaz said | January 16th 2013 @ 4:23pm | Report comment
Agree Ed he even drops it trying to catch it however I also believe he is on the improve, has speed, has size and is gaining experience and only 22 yrs of age, remember he broke his leg last year. He’ll go ok in 2013.
January 17th 2013 @ 9:14pm
Jake said | January 17th 2013 @ 9:14pm | Report comment
Hodgie wants to play fullback, and the inside word is that they are going to do just that. Hoff on the wing with Jawhral, and Copley/Norman/Reed/Whitchurch/Glenn/Gillett the centres. You can assume that Reed has one spot locked already, not sure which one of the remaining players I would prefer.
January 16th 2013 @ 8:55am
Pot Stirrer said | January 16th 2013 @ 8:55am | Report comment
I also disagree, THe Broncos were on fire at the start of last season and it was only origin that stopped thier momentum. With the addition of Prince and moving wallace to 5/8 i think they will win more than they lose
January 16th 2013 @ 9:20am
kellett_1992 said | January 16th 2013 @ 9:20am | Report comment
Casey McGuire doesn’t play for Brisbane Broncos, Josh McGuire does.
January 24th 2013 @ 10:55am
Maroon Blood said | January 24th 2013 @ 10:55am | Report comment
DAMN, I thought I was the only one that picked up the error.
AND although Casey McGuire is a terrific utility player, methinks front row would be a bit beyond him!
January 16th 2013 @ 9:38am
kellett_1992 said | January 16th 2013 @ 9:38am | Report comment
Finishing 10th that is a massive call! Especially when in the Broncos history they have only ever finished lower than eigth once and that was with an inept coach.
I love how most people are writing off the Broncos. We remind them about our great start last year with pretty much the same bunch of players and then people turn around and say but you faded. There are multiple reasons why we faded and since the Broncos inception it has always been hard not to fade given our contribution totaling more than any other club for state of origin.
7 players played in the third match
We were also reduced to losing an Australian representative in Jharal, a rookie of the year in Matt Gillett, a loss in experience on the halves in which was not replaced and one of the best forward packs failing to re-click after origin.
I have said it before and will say it again. I put any money on the Broncos to win this year! I also rate the Newcastle knights to be up there too and until clubs like rabbits, sharks, roosters, eels and anyone else bar Melbourne storm and bulldogs can show some consistency i.e. make the finals for more than one season. I won’t consider anyone for a great shot at the premiership.
Broncos Champions 2013!!!
January 16th 2013 @ 4:00pm
Renegade said | January 16th 2013 @ 4:00pm | Report comment
How much you willing to bet mate?
I’ll take you up on the offer.
January 17th 2013 @ 5:00pm
kellett_1992 said | January 17th 2013 @ 5:00pm | Report comment
Renegade,
Sportingbet had Broncos at $15 to win and I placed $20 = $300 coming my way! You pick a team and lets so who comes the closest!
January 16th 2013 @ 10:36am
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 10:36am | Report comment
The roar edited my comment about mcguire, am aware it’s certainly Josh.
Oikee, Iggy is dead right. Copley doesn’t possess the try finishing abilities of the modern day winger. Think sandor earl, duffie, merritt… These aren’t stand out wingers by any means but they can all sniff out a try. Agree on Hala. Good impact off the bench, monster of a bloke.
Pot stirrer, what about Norman? Surely he is the future for the broncos in the halves? Wallace would be more consistent but Norman is more creative.
I stick by my prediction on the Bronco’s narrowly missing the 8. Will preview all teams in the coming days…
January 16th 2013 @ 4:09pm
Gaz said | January 16th 2013 @ 4:09pm | Report comment
‘Will preview all teams in the coming days’
Why bother, we’re all entitled to our opinions but Broncs vrunning 10th?
I suppose you’ll have Tigers winning it as others did last year – yes?
January 16th 2013 @ 10:37am
TheSilentProgressor said | January 16th 2013 @ 10:37am | Report comment
I have to disagree the Broncos are always there or there abouts. They start strongly each season and then come origin they drop off which is understandable.
Also i really disagree with Copley, yes when he came into first grade he was a nervous wreck and had hands like cement, but he has really progressed well and is one of the best kick returners in the league.
Also the addition of Prince will give the Broncos the structure and leadership that Wallace lacked as halfback. Thats the major thing the Broncos lost with Locky his leadership around the park, steering the game where he wanted it and his last tackle options. Wallace tried to do this but he just can’t, hopefullly Prince can provide a similar amount of leadership and structure to the Broncos backline play which was non-existent towards the end of last season.
January 16th 2013 @ 10:58am
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 10:58am | Report comment
Show me a scott prince highlights of the last year or show me a Copley highlight fullstop!
Scott Prince was shown up by rookie half Sezer. Jamal Idris (the titans only real danger in the backline) got the ball 9 times a game on average. The reality is Prince has been out of form for two years, hopefully for the Broncos the change of scenery helps him regain it.
January 16th 2013 @ 11:41am
kellett_1992 said | January 16th 2013 @ 11:41am | Report comment
That’s a bit far fetched! Show you some highlights?
Come on! It’s simply a matter of opinion.
How do you expect anyone to show you a highlights package of any player for one season. Most highlight reels consist of seasons in which a player performed consistently over a period of time.
In regards to the two players you have mentioned I don’t know the role they will play,as Brisbane have also bolstered their squad with unknowns – like that of jack Reed in his first season. The depth seems to be forming quite well. Scott Prince may be the missing piece but as to which piece he will play is being determined right now! During pre-season training.
You are entitled to your prediction and or opinion and I hope your prediction turns out wrong.
January 16th 2013 @ 12:32pm
Scott Minto said | January 16th 2013 @ 12:32pm | Report comment
I think thats Tommygun’s point – I would dare to guess that Ben Barba or Greg Inglis has an impressive highlights reel from 2012.. Perhaps Prince/Copley didnt do enough last year to even have any highlights?
January 16th 2013 @ 2:38pm
kellett_1992 said | January 16th 2013 @ 2:38pm | Report comment
Didn’t Copley get injured?
And didn’t the whole titans team not perform.
You also made reference to two superstars of our game. I never will proclaim that Scott prince is a superstar but seriously, of course there would be highlights for those two!
January 16th 2013 @ 11:44am
Terry Kidd said | January 16th 2013 @ 11:44am | Report comment
Yeah signing Prince is a backward step …. I can’t see the sense in it …. Broncos may sneak into the 8 but won’t go any further
January 16th 2013 @ 3:30pm
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 3:30pm | Report comment
+1
January 16th 2013 @ 12:19pm
kellett_1992 said | January 16th 2013 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
Scott Prince has been selected at half back for the indigenous All-Stars.
Obviously regarded highly still by public/peers.
A prefect opportunity to showcase his ability and resurrect the form he portrayed at the tigers and early day titans!
Prove them wrong Prince!
January 16th 2013 @ 1:10pm
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
Clutching at straws there mate… Who else are they going to pick? Tyrone roberts? Albert kelly? Robert lui?
Besides, travis waddell started at hooker for the indigenous side last year so it’s really a great barometer of how good a player is…
January 16th 2013 @ 2:31pm
kellett_1992 said | January 16th 2013 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
Chris sandow, oh that’s right no indigenous half backs lit up the comp for 2012! I ain’t clutching at straws!? I think the amount prince has done speaks for itself and if injury was a concerning factor over the two years then besides injury prone which I don’t believe he is, how can you formulate an opinion on his playing ability. Or is it his age? Or the fact that it doesn’t take one player to make a team, perhaps the reason why titans didn’t do so well.
Aiden Siezer was also rookie of the year at his club if i’m correct. Titans overall didn’t perform not just prince
January 16th 2013 @ 3:45pm
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 3:45pm | Report comment
Kellet, I am judging Prince on recent form. The last two seasons have been way under par.
January 16th 2013 @ 5:07pm
kellett_1992 said | January 16th 2013 @ 5:07pm | Report comment
I honestly don’t think all stars match is always chosen on form. Thus the apparent selection. I don’t dispute his nrl form. But I think you’ve written off a seasoned pro quite easily!
January 16th 2013 @ 2:08pm
Mike said | January 16th 2013 @ 2:08pm | Report comment
I think Corey Normans best position is fullback so id like to see him there with Hoffman on the wing. This also opens up the possibility of a Wallace/Prince halves combo which could give them the experience & structure they require to make a decent run at the playoffs. I know Prince was off the boil last season but if these 2 can get it together this could turn out to be a shrewd signing for the broncs. Definitely top 8 material IMO.
January 16th 2013 @ 3:49pm
Tommygun said | January 16th 2013 @ 3:49pm | Report comment
I agree with you on Norman’s best spot is fullback, but it’s also Hoffman’s best spot too. If Hoffman moves to the wing, will he be able to get through the work of a modern winger, taking the scoots or first hit ups…
The Broncs can make the top 8, but in my head the teams I have coming 7-9th just seem stronger across the park.