What’s behind the startling form slump that has seen the Broncos plummet out of the NRL top eight, and in turn put an end to the clubs’ record 18 straight finals appearances?
I find it hard to believe that Lockyer’s absence is the sole cause of this. After all he is only one player so it not like he can defend for the entire team when he’s there so the question is what happened to Brisbane’s defence?
As was apparent earlier this year many were tipping failure for the young Broncos side especially considering their early season form being terrible and their defence poor. However, that trend to many observers surprise was turned around dramatically and Brisbane became one of the best defensive team in the competition.
What changed at Red Hill to cause such a form reversal was it just that the young team was getting used to the NRL level? I think not based on the defence of the last three weeks. I think it came down to confidence and with Lockyer around to young team seemed to be brimming with it. However, in his absence it seems to have completely vanished.
Whose fault is this then? I personally believe it comes down to three factors. First the loss of Bennett and the rise of Henjak, in the two seasons since Bennett’s absence the Broncos have arguably become a better attacking outfit but less noticeably they have become more inconsistent and even last season defensively terrible especially when compared to the defensive achievements of Bennett’s new team the Dragons who have been the defensive benchmark of the competition in the last two seasons. Of course one could say the dragons lack a good attack but perhaps that’s why the Bennett Henjak team work so well when they were both at Brisbane.
The second factor is the Toyota Cup, simply put the step up is far too great and especially in the key area of defence I personally find myself in a state of shock when you hear about teams blowing 20-30 point leads in less than 20 minutes! And its sad to say but this is seemingly starting to filter into the NRL level with defence becoming worse.
This problem is again most apparent in the Broncos as they have the youngest team in the competition. They are the worst offenders in regards to ineffective tackles and conceding offloads. This has also not been helped by the departure of defensive coach Peter Ryan.
And finally is that of the form of the senior players who have been expected to step up in Lockyer’s absence. They are Folau, Wallace, Parker and Thaiday. Two of these players have really let the team down in terms of expectations.
Thaiday’s early season form was fantastic so it is far more evident in his lack of form now highlighted in the last three rounds especially with him dropping the ball numerous times at crucial moments which is something that hadn’t been happening at all earlier in the season.
However, the biggest disappointment would have to be Wallace who at the back end of last year was in fantastic form until his season ending ankle injury. He has not looked even a shade of that player this year.
With his astounding ability to continually kick straight to the opposition back three and too constantly run the ball at the line without any ball runners therefore negating any threat he may pose.
So the question remains, what are the Broncos to do to improve next season and beyond the retirement of Lockyer?
Firstly, they need a defensive coach who works them double over the off and pre-season, forget about attack because with the talented players they have, it will never be a huge issue.
Secondly, someone tell Henjak to stop playing musical positions with Glenn, Gillett and Te’o as it is back firing and the defensive line is already chaotic enough as it is, and if he still persists, maybe only have them change positions in attack.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
An NRL investigation is underway into an incident during the Broncos' 30-14 win over the Eels at CommBank Stadium in which a fan allegedly…
The pressure continues to rise on Brad Arthur at Parramatta after his side slumped to a 30-14 defeat to Brisbane despite a mountain of…
Jesse Arthars was in hospital receiving treatment for a broken jaw before Friday night’s game was over after a self-inflicted blow in the first…
It was already going horrendously for Benji Marshall and the Tigers, 22-0 down at the hour mark, when their captain walked off the field.…
The NRL's match officials announcement on Tuesday lunchtime is usually cause for little fanfare, but sparked debate this week with top ref Ashley Klein…
It had all been going so well. Canberra were by far the better side for ten minutes, with Jamal Fogarty giving the Brisbane back…
