The Brisbane Broncos were extremely unlucky in last year’s epic grand final, but they will put this behind them in 2016 and continue their charge toward a seventh premiership.
Wayne Bennett has an excellent roster, so if he does any worse than a top-four finish he will be at an extreme risk of losing his job as head coach.
Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford reached an all-new level at the backend of 2015 and they will be expected to carry that form into 2016. And with the clock ticking down on the careers of Corey Parker and Sam Thaiday, the Broncos will be hungry to deliver the two club legends another premiership.
The recent recruitment of Dally M centre of the year James Roberts from the Gold Coast Titans will only add to the Broncos’ chances. Brisbane head into 2016 as heavy favourites – and with good reason, they will be the team to beat.
Rookie watch
Bennett isn’t expected to blood too many youngsters in 2016, but during the Origin period, Ipswich Jets sensation Carlin Anderson will likely step up to fill Darius Boyd’s absence in the number 1 jersey.
At just 20 years of age, Anderson skipped the Holden Cup and went straight to the Queensland Cup, where he helped to break the Jets’ 33-year drought.
Despite being one of the best in last year’s competition, Anderson has plenty of room to improve, and is a star in the making.
Under pressure
All the pressure will be on Bennett, with the supercoach beginning to show signs that he may no longer be the best in the business.
Last year Bennett was replaced on the NRL Competition Committee, by Souths coach Michael Maguire, and lost his first grand final.
The Broncos must, at least, make the semi-finals. Otherwise, Bennett’s 22 years of coaching Brisbane could come to an end.
Will the Broncos finally win in 2016?
2016 is the Broncos’ year. After coming so close in 2015, their star-studded roster is expected to deliver.
Now that Milford has had a year to settle into five-eighth, he is set to become one of the NRL’s best in his position, reflective of his form in late 2015.
Corey Oates and Jordan Kahu will continue to improve and new recruit James Roberts will help to bolster the Broncos’ roster.
With very few rookies to be blooded in 2016, Bennett’s roster has the experience needed to deliver another premiership. They will be the benchmark of the competition and the team to beat.
Is Ben Hunt destined for a breakout season?
Ben Hunt was outstanding last season, finishing fifth in the Dally M Awards behind Johnathan Thurston, Michael Ennis, Benji Marshall and Aaron Woods.
But in 2016, Hunt needs to put his grand final blunder behind him and lead the Broncos to a premiership.
Hunt is one of the front-runners for the 2016 Dally M, and could take both the Maroons and Kangaroos utility roles. The Blackwater Crushers junior is the key to the Broncos’ premiership hopes in 2016. Put simply, if Hunt fires the Broncos will fire. If Hunt fails, the Broncos will fail.
Who will fill Justin Hodges’ boots?
With Jack Reed unavailable for Round 1, Hodges’ position is wide open, with Dale Copley, Lachlan Maranta, Reed and Carlin Anderson vying for the right centre spot.
At least one of Copley, Maranta or Reed are likely to leave Red Hill following the arrival of former Titans Roberts, with Bennett expected to make a decision before the Broncos return to training in the new year.
The number 4 jersey isn’t the only thing Hodges has left available, with Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker and Ben Hunt in a three-way tussle for the coveted captaincy, previously held by the likes of Wally Lewis, Allan Langer and Darren Lockyer. Both Thaiday and Parker have previously captained the side, however their form dropped as a result of the added pressure.
Hunt has been touted as the man to steer the Broncos into the future, with Parker, Thaiday and Andrew McCullough set to assist him in the leadership group.
Can the Broncos bounce back from their grand final loss?
Come kick-off time at Pirtek Stadium in March, the Broncos will be raring to go, particularly Hunt.
With the return of Josh McGuire from injury, Brisbane will have an even bigger forward pack than 2015, set to rip into their opposition.
And the recruitment of Roberts could prove to be the x-factor Brisbane need to deliver a premiership.
It’s a new season, which means a new start.
Must watch
Round 4 versus Cowboys
Friday, March 25, 8:05pm at Suncorp Stadium
Good Friday will be better than ever in 2016 with a grudge match to rival the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs added to the line-up.
The Broncos and Cowboys will do battle in a grand final rematch – the first premiership game between the two Queensland clubs since the 82-minute thriller that saw North Queensland claim their first ever premiership.
Brisbane will be hoping for revenge just weeks out from both the Anzac Test and State of Origin, meaning there will be plenty of representative jerseys on the line.
Hunt will battle directly with Michael Morgan for the Maroons bench role, while Broncos forwards McGuire and Matt Gillett will also be hoping to show they are worthy of representing their state.
Round 10 versus Sea Eagles
Saturday, May 14, 7:30pm at Suncorp Stadium
The Broncos will play 13 regular-season games at Suncorp Stadium in 2016, after Manly opted to take their home game against the Broncos to Brisbane as part of a double-header which will also see the Storm take on the Cowboys.
There will be plenty of State of Origin jerseys on the line with this being the last game before teams are selected.
Hunt will again be hoping to make his way onto the team sheet by scoring points over Daly Cherry-Evans in a gruelling encounter between the two star halfbacks, while Sam Thaiday will both be equally desperate to snare a spot in the starting side from Nate Myles.
Both teams are certain to go on a heavy premiership tilt and the game will no doubt provide many a match-up, both on the field and in the coaching box.
Predicted best XVII
1. Darius Boyd, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Jack Reed, 4. James Roberts, 5. Jordan Kahu, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Ben Hunt, 8. Josh McGuire, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Sam Thaiday, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace, 15. Adam Blair, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Kodi Nikorima
2016 signings
Carlin Anderson (Ipswich Jets), Herman Ese’ese (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Salesi Funaki (Wests Tigers), James Roberts (Gold Coast Titans), Caleb Timu
2016 draw (AEST)
Round 1: Eels versus Broncos (Thursday, March 3 8.05pm @ Pirtek Stadium)
Round 2: Broncos versus Warriors (Friday, March 11 8.05pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 3: Panthers versus Broncos (Saturday, March 19 7.30pm @ Pepper Stadium)
Round 4: Broncos versus Cowboys (Friday, March 25 8.05pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 5: Titans versus Broncos (Friday, April 1 8.05pm @ Cbus Super Stadium)
Round 6: Broncos versus Dragons (Thursday, April 7 7.50pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 7: Broncos versus Knights (Saturday, April 16 7.30pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 8: Broncos versus Rabbitohs (Friday, April 22 7.50pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 9: Sharks versus Broncos (Sunday, May 1 4pm @ Shark Park)
Round 10: Sea Eagles versus Broncos (Saturday, May 14 7.30pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 11: Cowboys versus Broncos (Friday, May 20 7.50pm @ 1300Smiles Stadium)
Round 12: Broncos versus Wests Tigers (Friday, May 27 7.50pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 13: Warriors versus Broncos (Saturday, June 4 3pm @ Mt Smart Stadium)
Round 14: Broncos versus Raiders (Thursday, June 9 7.50pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 15: Bye
Round 16: Bulldogs versus Broncos (Saturday, June 25 7.30pm @ ANZ Stadium)
Round 17: Broncos versus Storm (Friday, July 1 7.50pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 18: Bye
Round 19: Rabbitohs versus Broncos (Saturday, July 16 7.30pm @ ANZ Stadium)
Round 20: Broncos versus Panthers (Friday, July 22 7.50pm @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 21: Roosters versus Broncos (July 28-August 1 @ Allianz Stadium)
Round 22: Dragons versus Broncos (August 4-August 8 @ WIN Stadium)
Round 23: Broncos versus Eels (August 11-August 15 @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 24: Broncos versus Bulldogs (August 18-August 22 @ Suncorp Stadium)
Round 25: Storm versus Broncos (August 25-August 29 @ AAMI Park)
Round 26: Broncos versus Roosters (September 1-September 4 @ Suncorp Stadium)
Prediction
After falling short last year, 2016 will see the Broncos secure their seventh premiership, ten years on from their last title in 2006.
Brisbane will claim both the Provan-Summons Trophy and the J.J. Giltinan Shield after a very strong season.
Casper
Guest
Still only have the same number of players in the squad. Reckon Carlin Anderson will make the top team as a winger and goal kicker. He will improve heaps under Bennett with the benefit of the pre-season. They probably surprised themselves in 2015 but now the pressure is on, can't wait to see Roberts trailing Milford.
Mark
Guest
Supported Brisbane as a kid and I'm back after 8 years of supporting the Titans (mismanagement and poor on field attempts drove me away). Think 2016 is their year.
Jackson Henry
Roar Guru
Yeah, I agree, can't really see how he'd be under any extra pressure.
Gaz
Roar Rookie
Agreed, part of the deal in bringing Bennett back was to attract players of Roberts ilk that neither Henjak or Griffin could during their tenures. Also to return the club to its previous statusm in both culture and toughness and consistency on the field. He has a further goal in leaving a legacy of setting the club up to further these ideals into the future that means handing over to a coach that has those capabilities. Walters appears to have the inside running but that will depend on how he goes with the QLD side. Kearney perhaps or will he be snapped up by the Warriors?
damien
Guest
Be great if we keep copley, then maybe more oates to the bench as a second rower after first month. Is a good looking bench with either Blair/thaiday and oates on it.
Steve
Guest
Bennett under pressure? I don't think so, not in the slightest, even if the Broncos miss the finals. He will be there until the end of 2017 at least, when his contract expires.
Edwin Caliboso
Guest
Keep on playing welll and give your very best - The Brisbane Broncos. Goodluck to all of you guys, work as a team, as a family and bring back the glorious days for Brisbane.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
The news on Copley is that Brisbane can afford to keep him but won't prevent him from leaving. If he decides to stay he should get first crack in the side ahead of Reed (who is expected to miss the first month) at left centre since Bennett rates Kahu as more of a wing than a centre. Round one outside 4 is expected to be Oates Copley Roberts and Kahu depending on injuries, possible player movements, and whether Oates makes the move to the backrow permanently. Reportedly the Tigers, Titans, storm and Cowboys are all in the market for Copley if he decides to leave.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
It can be argued that with Wallace finally coming through and the continued development of Joe O that Thaiday can return to his trusty edge running with McGuire back. Question is whether Bennett wants to bring him off the bench (something he excelled at last year) or point him at the biggest guy on the field from the first minute to assert some mental/physical dominance (another thing he excelled at). Problem with Thaiday is that he's always been a little hot and cold. Not to the extent of say a Barba or Benji, but there are years where he makes Origin and Australia and there are years where he's one of the first picked for origin and Australia if that makes sense. Bennett has always been the type of coach to get the best out of his players though so we'll see how he goes.
Gaz
Roar Rookie
That's original.
John Fielding
Guest
Howdy everyone Just a couple of comments for what ever they worth. Firstly nice signing with James Roberts for the Broncos. I read may lose Dale Copley, I think that would be a terrible mistake. He is a very good player of the future and been a little unlucky with injury last year. Broncos top try scorer 2014. I would like to see him in the run on side, possible on the wing for Oats. Oats is destined for the backrow and should be playing more games in there to get use to the work load. Could have him and Jarrod Wallace rotate and also play a bit of intrust cup. Thaiday and Parker won't be there much longer and a ready made conditioned forward will be needed. Can't argue with how good Oats has been on the wing but don't lose Copley. Have a look at Kahu and how he bounced back once over his injures. Anyway all good. Go the Broncos
Squirrel
Guest
How many advantages does Brisbane have over the comp. one team in one rugby league city has to end.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Tend to agree with you Riley. The Broncos are clear favourites, and the comp is theirs to lose. They almost snatched it in 2015 when they would have been focussing on 16/17. Hunt and Milford got into a great rhythm earlier than expected, and will go to another level. And look at that draw! Couldn't be anymore perfect with rest days and consistency. Their only 5 day turnaround is then followed by a bye. Perfect! Great advantage being the best rating side in QLD. Couple of question marks are Thaiday in the middle. He is a much better edge forward but they do appear to lack props. And the England travel. Still yet to see a side return from there and win the comp. But in their favour is they did it last year and so will have learnt how to best cope with it.
Walter Penninger
Roar Guru
Can Bennett keep the Broncos showing up for work like they did last season? I am doubtful that they can keep up the same commitment.