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For the Broncos it has ultimately been a season to forget. However, whether they make the finals or fall short, Friday night’s match against the Cowboys showed signs of what’s possible and what next season may hold.
The partnership of Peter Wallace/Scott Prince has been identified by many as the chink in the Broncos armour and as the saying goes, ‘you’re only as strong as your weakest link’.
In what could have turn out to be a do-or-die clash for the Cowboys and Broncos, 17,702 fans would have gone home noting that is how rugby league is played.
As the Cowboys now languish six points outside of the eight and only six games remaining, you could almost rule a line through what looked to be a promising season before Round 1.
The Broncos on the other hand live to fight another day.
With vast changes made to the Broncos line-up that lost 19-18 to the Sharks in Round 18, players careers at the club were put on notice, most notably the pair of Wallace and Prince.
Former under-20s 2008 player of the year Ben Hunt was provided with the opportunity to lead the Broncos from halfback, alongside Prince who had virtually been told his contract for 2014 would be honoured but he would most likely not feature.
With coach Anthony Griffin having had enough and his own role being scrutinised constantly, it was time to make the tough calls.
Hunt was a revelation from halfback. Running to the line, he timed a beautiful cut out pass to an unmarked winger in Oates who was more than happy to give it back to his leader in attack who went over for the first try.
Brisbane’s next try was another gem as Hunt ran to the line, held it up, timed the pass perfectly as he crashed into oncoming defence.
The brilliance of Justin Hodges was evident as he threw another cut out pass to unmarked winger in Corey Oates.
Not only were Brisbane able to finally covert their chances from inside the opposition’s 20 but their defence was just as good.
Despite falling behind 16-12, they rallied late to score off a barn storming run from the ever reliable Hodges.
There really wasn’t much to pick on from either side as it was a hard hitting and grinding match that both sides deserved but ultimately it was the performance of Hunt at halfback, Hoffman at fullback and Hodges in the centre that made the difference.
Scott Prince also deserves a mention, for despite his career nearing a potential end, he handled the pressure like the seasoned pro Wests Tigers fans were used too.
Both teams can take a lot from Friday night’s match but the Broncos have now seen the light at the end of the tunnel.
One match does not come close to defining a season but this match could be seen as the turning point heading out of 2013.
Stranger things have happened but could the Broncos be the dark horse no one saw coming?
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