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Could Broncos miss finals for first time?

19th August, 2010
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Roar Guru
19th August, 2010
19
1139 Reads

Sitting in eighth position and without their inspirational captain, Darren Lockyer, the Broncos are feeling the pressure of perhaps missing the finals for the first time in twenty seasons.

The Rabbitohs, Raiders and the Eels are all biting at their heels.

This weekend doesn’t get any easier for the Broncos. A must win game in Newcastle in front of the Knights faithful is always a tough ask, especially without captain Lockyer.

Even though it looks as if the Knights season is over, they never like to disappoint their fans.

After watching the Broncos last weekend, I find it tough to tip them tonight. They had no structure and their last tackle options were woeful.

I don’t know what Henjak was thinking putting Gillett in at five-eighth, but that turned out horribly wrong. There was no direction especially when the Broncos were terrorizing the Eels early in the first half and at times in the second half. There was serious evidence that Lockyer was sorely missed. Israel Folau also did not receive enough touches in the red zone.

He is one of the toughest players to stop close to the line, but just doesn’t see the ball.

I would be hammering that side of attack. He will eventually break the line.

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I think over the week Lockyer would have been giving young Corey Norman some handy tips regarding direction and the structure of attack needed to beat the Knights. Will Norman guide them this much needed win, or does he not have what it takes? I personally think his confidence must be shattered after being demoted to the bench for a second rower to take his place.

If I were the Knights, I would be going straight at him in the first ten minutes.

If they lose this Friday night they will have to guarantee two victories in the last two rounds: one being against the Warriors in New Zealand and the other at home to the Red Hot Green Machine.

When watching last week’s game against the Eels it made me wonder if when Lockyer retires, are the Broncos going to be as great? The problem the Bronocs are going to have is finding a replacement who can lead the team around the park, someone who is going to get the likes of Inglis and Hodges the ball.

If last weekend’s performance is anything to go by, then Henjak needs to get scouting.

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