When you think of the Broncos 2019 season you may think of the following lowlights.
They include: Darius Boyd playing terribly, 58-0 loss in the finals against the Eels, James Roberts moving to Souths and Matt Gillet retiring.
But ladies and gentlemen, what if I told you that the Broncos will make the eight?
You guys must think I’m crazy but hear me out. I will tell you all the reasons why the Broncos can and will make the eight this year.
There were also a lot of positives in 2019 for the Broncos. Those positives will carry on into 2020.
In Round 8 of the 2018 season the Broncos debuted a kid called Payne Haas, who soon went on to have a great NRL season.
He won Rookie of the Year and secured an Origin debut for NSW. He has been the first player to do that in the same year since 1999. He was the least experienced Origin player since Ben Ikin in 1995, who only had four premiership games.
Payne Haas of the Broncos. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Remember that Haas is only 20 years old.
His 2019 season was very good with 21 games played, four tries, 102 tackle breaks, 92 per cent tackle efficiency and 186 average running metres which is high work ethic.
Then we have David Fifita. He played Origin for QLD and I guarantee you that David will be there in the Maroon in 2020. He played 24 games for seven tries, ten line breaks, had 91 per cent tackle efficiency and 96 average running metres.
Unwanted halfback Brodie Croft from the Storm signs a deal with the Broncos and will partner Milford in the halves. Brodie Croft showed a lot of potential at the Storm until Jarome Hughes took his place and now the Broncos have full time NRL halfback who played 22 games, scored five tries, eight forced drop outs, five try assists and showed he could goal kick if need be.
The Broncos have also found a good fullback in Jamayne Isaako who was very good in 2019 playing in the wing for the Broncos with 22 games, scoring four tries, four try assists, seven line breaks, 46 tackle breaks and 112 average running metres.
The Broncos have a top eight side and will finish in the eight if Fifita, Haas, Brodie Croft, Milford and Isaako are firing on all cylinders. The Broncos did put up very good fights against the Rabbitohs in Round 23, beat the Eels in Round 24, beat the Roosters in Round 10 and beat the Sharks in Round 7.
The Broncos put up very good fights with Haas and Fifita leading from the front but with a settled Isaako at fullback, Milford at five-eighth and Croft at halfback then you better watch out because the Broncos are going to come out firing in 2020.
You also can’t forget about Tevita Pangai Jr and Joe Ofahengaue who are both also very young forwards who know how to work and play hard.
Number 9 Jake Turpin also re-signed for another three years. He can also play halfback if need be but showed in 2019 he can be lighting out of dummy-half. If Jack Bird is also fit, we all know how good of a player he can be.
Watch out for the Broncos in 2020. They will be there come finals time.
Anton Taylor
Roar Guru
Exactly! The Broncos can be a real threat in 2020
Paul
Roar Guru
I wonder if they really do? "Stars" too my mind turn up week in, week out and shine. Think of Boyd in is heyday, for example. Guys like Bird & Milford occasionally do some brilliant things, but all too often don't even get the simple things right, which is a large part of the reason the Broncos have had such a lean run in the finals. I suspect the Broncs are paying "star" money, for blokes who will prove to be no better than okay footballers,once their careers are finished.
matth
Roar Guru
You do have a point. When was the last time the broncos had s fullback, half and five eighth that all came to the club as established players?
Succhi
Roar Rookie
The Broncos have lost their identity and their soul, and with that, any chance of being a force in the NRL. They have tried to buy success rather than breed it.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
I really like the Broncos's chances this year. But a lot falls onto Turpin and Croft. If Turpin can give good service by stealing quick yards by getting himself out of dummy half and compliment that by offering up good service then it allows Croft to steer the team around. If that is working well, Milford will be free to do what he does best. This will be the first time in a long time that Milford will only have to concentrate on his game and inject himself when he sees opportunity. The forwards have everything that is needed and I believe Glenn will only enhance his consistency with the added responsibility of the C beside his name. Defensively, I am worried about Boyd outside Milford. Boyd has been a speed bump in defense for the last two seasons and I expect he will be tested a whole lot this season.
Anton Taylor
Roar Guru
Yeah they have stars all around the park so I’m hoping they improve.
Anton Taylor
Roar Guru
Well I’m hoping the Titans do better this year mate!
Anton Taylor
Roar Guru
I was actually at the beach at the time and was watching the game when I got out. I saw the Eels were 12-0 went in the water for half hour and saw that it was like 30* to 0
Nat
Roar Guru
Damn you fella! :angry:
Zavjalova
Roar Rookie
My beloved Titans beat the comfortably and we beat the last year. 1 of our 4 wins.
Big Daddy
Guest
Consistency was their problem last Year. They did beat Roosters at home, Cronulla twice , Manly and Parramatta once before semis yet performed poorly losing to knights. , Titans and tiger's. There like all teams who will have low spots as well SOO . If their pack perform consistently they should have enough cattle to make the 8.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"When you think of the Broncos 2019 season you may think of the....58-0 loss in the finals against the Eels.." ...absolutely Anton, a highlight of the season for mine, and still a family favourite on video night! :laughing:
johnno 2
Roar Rookie
Anton the Optimist, with all due respect I don't see that happening While the have the likes of Milford , Bird, Siebold and White that will never be. The crowds are down, the respect from other clubs has gone. The rot starts at the top and trickles down. The bike has a flat tyre and no spares. For your positive outlook I hope I'm wrong . Good luck
Adam
Roar Guru
President of the world!
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
No word from Red Hill on Alfie. Has Seibold reduced his training workload as he will be seeing less game time this season?
Don
Roar Rookie
They might make the 8. Depends on what happens with other sides too but But not sure how Isaako’s stats playing on the wing translate to being a good option at fullback. Also, during the trials Jack Bird played fullback and I’m hearing he’s likely to start there. Croft was good in a Melbourne Storm side with Superstars inside and outside him in Smith and Munster. I’ll wait until I see him control a game with an inexperienced side. Just too many variables around the Broncos for me. Great set of young forwards. Unknown whether the side will have any better direction than the rubbish last year. Same senior players hanging around stinking up the joint. A player who they were prepared to let go until he accepted less money is now captain. And a coach who looked bereft of ideas to improve their play last year.
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Better than premiers? Nice!!
Anton Taylor
Roar Guru
But what if they do fire? They will be a handful.
Anton Taylor
Roar Guru
Cheers man ✊????
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Considering I think the Broncos will be woeful this season you may be right.