2013 Brisbane Broncos preview

DAMN, I thought I was the only one that picked up the error. AND although Casey McGuire is a terrific utility player, methinks front row would be a bit beyond him!

Senior Queensland Emerging Origin squad: Ben Barba (Bulldogs), Justin O’Neill (Storm),""""""" Dale Copley""""""" (Broncos), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly), Andrew McCullough (Broncos), Martin Kennedy (Sydney Roosters), Josh McGuire (Broncos), William Zillman (Titans), Chris McQueen (South Sydney), Josh Papalli (Raiders), Edrick Lee (Raiders), Michael Morgan (Cowboys), Ben Ridge (Titans) and Aidan Guerra (Sydney Roosters). Junior Queensland Emerging Origin squad: Caleb Timu (Broncos), Corey Oates (Broncos), Chris Grevsmuhl (Cowboys), Hymel Hunt (Titans), Kurt Mann (Melbourne), Ian Riccardi (Penrith), Anthony Milford (Raiders), Travis Peeters (Broncos), Francis Molo (Broncos), Zac Santo (Cowboys), Kierran Moseley (Penrith), Patrick Mago (Raiders), Soape Palau (Broncos), Patrick Kaufusi (Cowboys), Moses Mbye (Bulldogs), Cameron Cullen (Broncos), Brenko Lee (Raiders), Joseph Forrester (Broncos), John Folau (Eels), Billy Brittain (Storm), Ben Hampton (Storm), Luke Keary (South Sydney), Dylan Napa (Sydney Roosters), Korbin Sims (Knights), Lachlan Maranta (Broncos), Aaron Whitchurch (Broncos). As you can see, Copley is already in the senior emerging Origin squad, same as Whitchurch. I only noticed this today. Big Mal must have noticed him as well.

yes broncos are weak at hooker half and fullback - they will certainly finish bottom half of the table

Hodgie wants to play fullback, and the inside word is that they are going to do just that. Hoff on the wing with Jawhral, and Copley/Norman/Reed/Whitchurch/Glenn/Gillett the centres. You can assume that Reed has one spot locked already, not sure which one of the remaining players I would prefer.

He also represented Lebanon recently, not sure what that does for his SOO chances.

Tommy; Reece Robinson was born in Redfern, and played all his junior footy in Sydney, hence is eligible for NSW. He wouldn't look out of place however in a season or two on the flank for NSW

I can't argue with those facts, but I am sure you would like to proven wrong? Just have a bit more faith, not that I have faith, probably a sense of overconfidence, but I'm cool with proving a lot of people wrong, as well as the Broncos doing the same!

Renegade, Sportingbet had Broncos at $15 to win and I placed $20 = $300 coming my way! You pick a team and lets so who comes the closest!

Indeed. We've lost backs and Yow Yeh is no certainty to produce. The inclusion of Prince may or may not be enough to balance this out. 2013 will be grim, brother.

I think the Broncos will be in the log jam of teams from positions 8-10. Lack of quality in the spine will continue to hurt against stronger sides. Hoffman, McCullough and Prince a little overrated imo. A strong forward pack aint enough to succeed in NRL these days, just ask Titans or Raiders. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].

jordan kahu if he stays fit

Tommygun Some promising kids who will pressure for the 17 in their backline include Joe Bond, Jordan Kahu, Lachlan Maranta, others include Aaron Whitchurch, Francis Molo, Brendon Gibb, Liam Georgetown and the impressive Caleb Timu.

I tend to expand on all teams in Feb and in my eBook but on Brisbane: 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 mold 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. Have 11 Friday night matches out of 20 and could have six or seven in Origin, but they could maintain their backline if Hodges and Yow Yeh are over looked. Have also had about 10 to 12 players recover from post-season surgery as they finished last season “banged” up. Hodges is their most talented player and he has finally had a good off season, but he must lift if he wants to keep the Storm’s Will Chambers out of Origin.

I honestly don't think all stars match is always chosen on form. Thus the apparent selection. I don't dispute his nrl form. But I think you've written off a seasoned pro quite easily!

Agree Ed he even drops it trying to catch it however I also believe he is on the improve, has speed, has size and is gaining experience and only 22 yrs of age, remember he broke his leg last year. He'll go ok in 2013.

'Will preview all teams in the coming days' Why bother, we're all entitled to our opinions but Broncs vrunning 10th? I suppose you'll have Tigers winning it as others did last year - yes?

Oikee, Dale copley is anything but class. He continually drops the ball in the process of scoring a try (bread and butter for a winger)

How much you willing to bet mate? I'll take you up on the offer.