After another disappointing season relative to high expectation, the Broncos’ faith in their youth system’s production, when tested against the rest of the NRL, appears to be waning. At least a little.
Last season, Brisbane seemed to run out of ideas, especially following Origin, losing seven games from nine following Origin, including the first elimination round against rivals the Cowboys, for an average of only 14 points per game.
The halves partnership intended to carry them through the post-Lockyer era of Corey Norman and Peter Wallace did not eventually gel – even despite the mutterings of Dally M contention for Wallace (mutterings that soon silenced).
They can expect further trouble now that the Langer-era has ended at the Broncos, bizarrely a whole year after Lockyer; his on-field direction, even as physio, pretty evident in any plays executed by the Broncos during his times on the field.
What began as taunting, that Allan Langer was still carrying the Broncos on his back, soon turned to the realisation that they were actually a better side with him playing second-fullback, directing the team.
With the highest overall win percentage of any team in the NRL, Brisbane’s dominance in Queensland is clear. Evidenced every Friday night, as Brisbane’s two greatest five-eighths man each game coverage for the Broncos, leaning over impatiently as if trying and failing to live vicariously, now, through a Brisbane side markedly lacking in halfback firepower.
They appear frustrated, and at times almost accepting of defeat, or at least lack of quality.
The insecurity arising from this within Brisbane is understandable, how can a back up HB and a youngster really replace players whose statues already decorate the front porch of Suncorp?
Brisbane last season were well and truly surpassed by little brothers North Queensland, announced by the ceremoniously easy knockout of a lacklustre Brisbane side from the Cowboys that score the most points of any team in the competition per game.
When the Cowboys went to the grand final in 2005, eventually losing to the Wests Tigers in Johnathan Thurston’s breakout year, Brisbane responded. Going one further than the Cowboys in 2006, winning the competition with their own chosen son Lockyer having a career-best season.
In 2013, the Broncos would like to make a statement, but their faith in their young and established talent to carry them forward is being tested; Griffin, Gee and the rest of the Broncos’ key staff appearing very willing to sacrifice much of the integrity of their intentions to pull in a superstar.
The captain of Queensland rivals the Gold Coast Titans’ halfback Scott Prince already snared, Brisbane still appear to have all eyes on Thurston. Rejected by the Brisbane youth system at the time for being too slow, too skinny, Thurston was shopped around for even the slightest opportunity of first grade.
Winning the Dally M twice and aiding the team to become the most riveting attacking force in the NRL, the amount Thurston means to the Cowboys is massive.
The Broncos’ focus on the youth system of the moment seems almost to emerge from guilt, a team that also declined the services of Cameron Smith – who eventually defected to a team, in Melbourne, far more resourceful with its talent.
While other clubs have had to adapt to survive competitively, the Broncos have simply continued to dominate the years with their magnitude alone.
Perhaps the focus on the youth system is atonement, or merely a reaction to questionable seasons in recent years.
If they manage to purchase Thurston from the Cowboys, it will be a massive boost for the Broncos following into the 2013 season.
Even if Thurston plays for the Cowboys in 2013, the promise of a 2014 contract with the Broncos would signal once again, that the Broncos still have the upper hand in Queensland.
To claim ownership of the two halfback/captains of their only two geographical rivals, might be a necessary second best for a team that really isn’t ever used to losing for too long.
Bigjohn
Guest
I saw on the Broncos site that Wallace had said that he would play anywhere now that Prince has signed up. Hopefully that includes anywhere except the Broncos.
Maroon Blood
Guest
I would have Lachlan Maranta over Dale Dropley.....personal choice. Add to your 13..... 14. Corey Norman 15. Matt Gillett 16. David Stagg 17. David Hala .......and you have a pretty handy lineup. I think going with a more mobile bench would be better for the Broncos as they did look pedestrian in the second part of each half last season. Once again though, it is going to come down to how the halves run the show next season. The Prince-Wal combo comes up trumps and stays fit then the Hossies are in with a real shot. Top 8 for sure.
Red Block
Guest
Coincidentally, courtesy of the draw, the Broncos played the first 8 games on a Friday night, giving them a full weeks recovery between games unlike other teams that had to manage 5 day turnarounds. So, early in the season the Broncos were given very advantage and then bought out the usual excuses about Origin and a young squad. If they are so confident in their youth policy, why did they sign Prince?
Cameron
Roar Guru
Completely agree, not to mention the Broncos are continually contending with successful teams from their own patch, i.e. Queensland Reds, Brisbane Roar. Not everyone can afford a Suncorp season membership and if they like football better than rugby league they will choose to save their hard earned money on that particular sport.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
oikee Prince gives them a much better look no doubt: 1. Josh Hoffman, 2. Dale Copley, 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Jharal Yow Yeh 6. Peter Wallace, 7. Scott Prince* 8. Ben Hannant 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Josh McGuire 11. Sam Thaiday© 12. Alex Glenn 13. Corey Parker*
Die Hard NRL Fan
Roar Rookie
People always have a dig at the Broncos for only attracting 35,000 average. One must remember though that not everyone in Brisbane supports the Broncos and in fact some of the Brisbane population support the Sydney teams. Brisbane may only be a one team city, but the entire city does not support the Broncos.
Cameron
Roar Guru
precisely John, Fans who don't support the Broncos will do anything or say anything to bring them down. People tend to make reference to owning one city and can only attract 35,000; or Always get Friday nights; or Have the largest corporate support which detracts interest from other teams i.e. Cowboys and Titans, even though they are in two different areas.
oikee
Guest
Spot on Scott. Did you get a knock on the head or something? your making sense.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Quade Cooper??? Hmmm, one of the first requirements of a first grader is the ability to tackle?? Cooper makes Darren Lockyer look like Trevor Gillmeister. Who cares how talented he is, how much skill with the ball he has when he is nothing but a revolving door in defence. Could you imagine Bennett-clone Griffin putting up with his ego either? No chance. Let the boofhead box I say and good on all the NRL clubs for putting up the shutters......now if the NRL hierarchy had just done the same for SBW......
Cameron
Roar Guru
Broncos have not been the same since cowboys inception or titans? Cowboys were introduced in 1995 and Broncos would no longer be a one team state, true! But since the inception and before titans in 2007, Broncos win the 97, 98, 2000 and 06 grand finals. Contributed a record number of origin representatives in this time and continue to contribute a quarter to a third of the team. I agree their glory years are behind them and they won't always be a chance of winning the big one each year but you also need to remember there are feeder clubs no longer feeding Brisbane. They feed teams like cowboys, Melbourne, titans etc.
John Vizzone
Roar Rookie
I think people are being a bit tough on the Broncos. They looked to me like a team that looked jaded towards the end. With a bit more depth and experience, they should be much better this year.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Jonathon, This is a grab from my "NRL Teams 2013" ebook that I will publish free in Jan. TO WIN PREMIERSHIP: This time last year I did not see an obvious replacement at second receiver for the retired champion and skipper Darryn Lockyer. Coach Anthony Griffin had many options and put his reputation on the line by plumping for Corey Norman. He stuffed up to put it bluntly, and the team suffered. While Wallace is a handy half in the same mould as Mitch Pearce, he is not good enough to run the team and be that vital go to man on the fifth tackle. That all changes now that former Titans skipper Scott Prince has signed on. The Broncos now have an on field general that can guide them around and kick tactically. This is a massive move as the Broncos have a class forward pack and a backline that was crying out for some direction and quality early ball. The new challenge for the coach is to find the right chemistry between Prince and Wallace. If he gets that right, then the Broncos will be set for a big year. Hoffman was disappointing last season and McCullough remains predictable despite his high work rate, while Hodges may struggle with ongoing injuries.
cos789
Guest
He has a point though - the Broncos aren't what they were when they had all of Queensland to themselves. The Broncos have come back to the pack quite a bit in recent years, and their "glory years" are probably behind them. Brisbane will just have to content themselves with an ocassional premiership, just like the rest of the clubs, rather than continuous finals appearances.
mushi
Roar Guru
the way the comp is structured it's nigh on impossible for the Broncos to be legitimately bad.
mushi
Roar Guru
One bad year? They made bloody 8. Stuart will get a street named after him in Parramatta if he does that.
Mike from tari
Guest
Amazing, one bad year & it's doom &gloom, try being a rabbit supporter, the trouble is that their hookers have no idea how to get the forwards working or how to work his halves, out of their original U20's they left the best hooker out.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Broncos would never go for Quade. An ego bigger than the club and coach would not sit well with fans, board and corporate support. Brisbane have the right players to do the job already.
Cameron
Roar Guru
It is as you say Gaz 'just talk'. Sam Thaiday said two days ago that since Princes arrival the halves playing group consisting of Wallace, Norman and Hunt are all being pushed that extra bit further to grasp the position of 5/8 and half back. http://m.nrl.com/touch/NRL_NewsArticle.aspx?nid=111809&rid= Naturally when a 'threat' i.e. Scott Prince, walks in the players will react this way but the amount of footballing experience they will learn over this off season is nothing compared to what prince already possesses.
Jamie
Guest
Long ask to say that the youth squads have failed, given the youngsters coming through (McGuire, Glenn, Norman, Hoffman, etc etc). The problem is that there isn't a decent senior playmaker at the club. Wallace was picked for the job, but hasn't taken a lead. Norman is a 5/8th that runs more than he passes. Unlikely to get up next year but still likely to be strong. Whst price Quade Cooper as a late signing....?
steve b
Roar Guru
oikee is this really you apologizing to Manly sit down mate you'll be alright take a pill quick you'll soon recover !!