Brisbane Broncos – AAP Images
One of the many intriguing questions surrounding the upcoming NRL season surrounds whether or not the Brisbane Broncos will miss their first final series in eighteen years.
After a very solid start to last season, the Broncos experienced the ever present Origin hangover that has plagued the club for the majority of its history.
From rounds 13 to 20, Ivan Henjak’s men suffered demoralising losses to the Melbourne Storm, Cronulla Sharks, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canberra Raiders to leave the six-time premiers with the real possibility of missing out on a top eight birth.
In typical Broncos fashion however, the club from Red Hill went on a five match winning streak and ended up finishing the regular season in sixth position.
From there, it seemed as if the Broncos had rediscovered their finals mojo, beating the Gold Coast Titans and minor Premiers the St George Illawarra Dragons in the semi-finals to once again find themselves within grasp of another Grand Final birth.
A 40-10 loss to eventual premiers the Melbourne Storm however signalled the end to what was another successful campaign for a team many thought would struggle without the master guidance of former coach Wayne Bennett.
Heading into season 2010, coach Ivan Henjak faces numerous challenges to ensure the Broncos do not miss the finals for the first time since 1991.
The injury to representative centre Justin Hodges is a huge blow to a Brisbane backline that already makes do without the ever reliable services of fullback Karmichael Hunt, who last year switched codes to join the AFL’s new Gold Coast franchise.
Whilst filling the void left by Hodges will not be easy, one believes utility Alex Glenn has the potential necessary to become a great centre for Brisbane.
Although the 21-year-old struggled during Brisbane’s mediocre run midway through last season, there is no doubt Glenn has a solid mixture of strength and speed to fill the hole left by Hodges with aplomb.
Another area concerning coach Henjak is deciding which player will take over the fullback position vacated by Hunt.
Although new recruit Denan Kemp seems the logical choice to become Brisbane’s new no.1, winger Antonio Winterstein is another that should really be considered for the custodian role.
The 21-year-old is one of the best at defusing high balls, and like Hunt before him, has a terrific amount of determination, not to mention the uncanny ability to score tries when it really counts.
Whilst Kemp has speed to burn, one believes the 22 year old should start on the wing in a bid to rediscover his try scoring potency, after a disastrous season playing on the flanks for the Warriors last year.
In the forwards, the loss of Dave Taylor and Joel Clinton to South Sydney and Hull KR respectively will see Brisbane’s depth somewhat tested.
But with players such as Nick Kenny, Sam Thaiday, Ashton Sims, Ben Te’o, Lagi Setu and Corey Parker and Scott Anderson at Henjak’s disposal, there is enough in that roster to suggest the Broncos will be able to match it with the more fancied packs in the NRL.
Kenny, Te’o and Setu in particular are ready to experience breakthrough seasons after establishing themselves as consistent first graders last year.
With a draw that includes the Cowboys, Raiders, Warriors and Roosters in the opening month, do not be surprised if the Broncos win their opening four matches and are once again considered to be premiership fancies.
Although the Origin campaign will once again cause some worries for Henjak’s men, the Broncos have demonstrated time and again their ability to constantly recover from a form slump just in time for the finals.
They have done so for the past eighteen seasons and there is no reason why they cannot do so again.
oikee
Guest
I am more confident than ever that the broncos wont make the top 8. The peanut has just shown us he has no idea. 3 debutants for the 1st thrashing of the season. When bruno goes, i hope he takes the peanut with him. :)
alan nicolea
Guest
Scott On the contrary, i am a diehard Roosters fan and have become quite annoyed by Brisbane's constant ability to beat the chooks for the past four years or so. But i respect them enough to know that the Broncos give their all every week and have some of the most talented youngsters at their disposal. Their record in finals football is looked on with envy by many NRL clubs (six from six in Grand Finals is an outstanding achievement.) For one reason or another, i just feel Brisbane's incredible run in finals football will not end this season. If it does, it certainly was not a bad run while it lasted and i feel they will recover quickly to make the eight the following season.
OldManEmu
Guest
That is right - Hunt will be a MASSIVE loss - I think of all the NRL losses his will be felt most keenly. That play the Broncos had when it was a very quick shift right to left with decoy runnrs and Hunt chiming in from fullback took a hell of a lot out of defences even if did not always produce a line break or a try. Hunt was a massive talker, very enthusiastic, an awesome ball runner on the kick return, and a great team man. Having said all this, what the hell is he thinking that he can make a go of it in AFL - different issue. But as big a loss as Hunt is I think there are a few guys who can step up and fill his shoes. My pick is Yow Yeh at fullback, with Kemp and Winterstein on the wings. If the Broncos can hang around about the top 8 a return from Hodges in July will be a massive boost. Yep the more I think about the more I am prepared to put the farm on the Broncos not missing the 8.
Scott Woodward
Guest
Alan, You sound like a passionate Bronco but I think you will have a tough season as you have 3 massive losses and forwards lack punch without big Taylor, but Anderson gives them some authority. Lockyer and Wallace are a must to play every game. Not sure why they think Tim Smith is their answer. The Broncos were last years worst defensive team averaging 42.5 missed tackles per game. The coach will be lucky to survive unless they come out of the blocks running, especially as they have a good draw early. While Hodgo is out I think Josh Hoffman is the best bet for fullback. They will feel the loss of Hunt big time as he was the talker and instrumental in so many of their moves leading the NRL in try assists in 2009 with 22 from 22 games. Hodges has similar class and moving to fullback (when fit) will allow Folau to play his rightful position at right centre. They look a couple of years away, but still very dangerous. Good luck
AndyRoo
Roar Guru
Well last year the Knights made the top 8 and this years Broncos are a better side than last years Knights. That said teams competing for those 6th to 8th place spots have all seemed to strengthen. Rabbitohs, Roosters, Tigers and Cowboys should all have better seasons. I think they will still make it as even when their stars are missing their a team that always turns up which should give them an advantage over more flakey teams over the length of a 24 week season. Though the big defeat to Canberra last year could be an ominous sign. So basically I don't have a clue what will happen :)
alan nicolea
Guest
M1tch Yep, Locky is the key once again. I will be interested to see where they also play Tim Smith. I am guessing he will be used in a utility role because there is no way he will displace Peter Wallace as halfback. I think Israel Folau will also assume much more responsibility in the backline. To think that Lockyer is still the first choice five-eighth for the Maroons in a team full of stars is a testiment to the guys class, even though he is approaching the twilight of his career.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Good article Alan..I tend to think if Locky retires from rep footy then Broncos are top 6 certainties..if he plays rep footy I think they will struggle and finish 8-10 they need locky fit and involved as much as they have ever needed during his career
oikee
Guest
Well said, i agree also. Maybe the Cowboys and Tiatans should do well this year.
alan nicolea
Guest
Oikee Indeed it would not surprise me either if they did not make the top eight. But gathering from the expectations of many so called experts including phil gould, it seems it would be a massive surprise if they were to make the finals this year. I for one will give them the respect they deserve and consider them a real finals prospect until proven otherwise. No other club besides Melbourne have been as consistent as Brisbane in terms of making finals and winning them.
oikee
Guest
I honestly dont think the Broncos will make the 8 this year. I was over the moon last year they made the 8. They have a young team and a few injuries, i wont say they "cant" make the 8, like Emu said. But i wont be holding my breath either. I was totally happy they played well last year. I think Henjak did a good job seeing he was under so much pressure, so this year he is off the hook. If they dont make the 8, i wont be dissapointed. :)
OldManEmu
Guest
Warren Ryan likes to tell of the first time he turned up to St George having come down from Newcastle. He was told "You're going to love Grand Final day....." the implication being that well here you are, at St George, the sun rises in the east and we make the Grand Final." And so it is with the Broncos I think. Winning is in the fabric of the joint and there are still enough winners there to drag them up by the boots straps; Lockyer, Thaiday, Hodges, Parker, Folau. No I cant see a premiership for the mighty Broncos, but missing the finals? Nope.