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.
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.
chook
Roar Rookie
Im no league fan but I think they missed out in 88 and 91. But Im aware that a Brisbane punter put 100K on them to miss out on the finals and hes going to throw a big party.
macavity
Guest
lololololol @ the broncomerkins "its the Knights... I mean come on" lololololol
Jeff
Guest
I think that Broncs have gone into shock because next year. one of their mates will be earning as much as five of them put together.
Danni
Guest
I think that name should have been "REDNECK" lol
Adrian Bauk
Roar Guru
I had a feeling that the Broncos would struggle and they did. This makes for an absolute ripper of a game next week against the Warriors! Lockyer will be playing no matter what!
fear the dears
Guest
think souths might get the 8th spot with the belief that st george will go against their raiders record and win.. it the end its all arbitrary as the dragons will beat the 8th qualifier in week 1 of the finals. note * (knights supporter)
Norm
Guest
Broncos missing the 8 would be an early Christmas present.
soapit
Guest
hope they did but i can't see it, they've got one of the easier runs home. and yes lockyer will leave a huge hole.
oikee
Guest
Hehe, when your as big as the Bronc's, you can do as you please. :) Rock on Bronc's.
Redback
Guest
I hope so they have cheated the salary cap for too long. Typical news limited cant wait to see them out of the game
macavity
Guest
^ typical broncomerkin.
mona
Guest
The Broncos have been in positions like this before, I have total faith they'll win tonight just because... it's the Knights. I mean come on. The Broncos know what they have to do and they've got a) too much on the line, b) too many solid leaders and c) too many young, enthusiastic and downright freaky players to just ... fail. I'm more worried about the Warriors next week. Also: lolololol at macavity
The Fish
Guest
I can't see the Broncos missing the 8. While they have tough games so do the others behind them. Souths have the Panthers, Raiders play the Dragons and the Eels play the Tigers. So even with a loss tonight the Broncos could still hang on to their spot. I think Lockyer will play next week and with him in the team, I believe they can win the comp, provided they don't finish 8th. I think the dragons at home is extremely tough however all the other teams Penrith, Tigers, Roosters even Manly are very beatable at home. I think the Broncos and the Dragons are going to be the teams to beat provided they are both fit. Lockyer plays next week and gets hurt, Broncos season is over. Nice article with some good points, but I think the Broncos with lockyer will be there in the end and will give the comp and massive shake.
macavity
Guest
And its easy to "pride yourself" on high crowds when you have stabbed the game in the back to protect your monopoly in the second biggest RL market in the world. That is like someone priding themselves on shooting fish in a barrel.
macavity
Guest
Without the Broncos there would be 2-3 thriving Brisbane clubs - total crowds would be much higher, and as SL wouldn't have happened, RL would be much healthier. Worst thing RL ever did was admit the Broncos.
ptovey01
Roar Pro
I think if Manly lose this wek thay may be in the same boat. I dislike both Manly and Bronco's so would love to see both miss out.
Fez's are cool
Guest
I'd like to see how loyal the Broncos fans are if they go through a low patch. They talk themselves up, but they will be thin on the ground if the club were struggling I recon.
oikee
Guest
I hope they dont, but i think they might struggle to make the 8. I dont think it will hurt the game if they miss-out, the Broncos bring the finals season alive with their big crowds. I just hope the other teams fans turn up in thousands. You can knock the Bronc's all you like Mac, but without them, it would have been lean pickings for crowds over the last decade or so. Just remember, the Broncos pride themselves not only making the finals, but also leading the way as the biggest club and fan crowds in the sport. We dont have the strength to go all the way this year, i cant see us beating the Knights really.
macavity
Guest
God I hope so. A Knights win and the Broncos being in danger of missing the finals would definately make my week. The only sport emotion that comes close to my love of the mighty Knights is my hatred of the scum News Ltd owned, Super League starting, exclusivity stealing, arrogant SOB Broncos.