On Friday night the Brisbane Broncos were beaten 28-16 by the Gold Coast Titans, a difference of two converted tries.
Coincidentally ex-Bronco David Fifita scored two tries that were converted against his old side.
Had Fafita not been poached to play for the Titans and was instead still plying his trade in Brisbane, the Broncos would have won by 12 points – those two converted tries.
The captaincy was taken off Darius Boyd his final season in 2020 so he could end his career without the distractions of leadership – essentially his form had slumped and he was past his best. His salary in his final seasons in the NRL was reportedly in the ballpark of Fifita’s retainer at the Gold Coast.
Boyd played one year too many. He was on good coin, and had he been selfless, he would have done the honourable thing and hung the boots up earlier, freeing up enough money under the cap for the Broncos to re-sign Fifita.
On Friday night the Broncos were missing their first-picked front-rowers. Matt Lodge has a hamstring injury and could not manage long minutes against Parramatta in Round 1, while Payne Haas was suspended for three matches following a disgraceful display of antisocial behaviour with police during the preseason.
Should Brisbane have made a play for Fifita and dumped Boyd? Yes. If they still had Fifita on the books, it would have undoubtedly resulted in a win for the Broncos at the weekend. They now dealing with the consequences of poor management, including Anthony Seibold’s lasting influence.
As has been much noted in the post-game press conference, Kevin Walters couldn’t even bring himself to acknowledge Fifita had played against his old side, never mind been decisive in the result.
Tevita Pangai Jr was best for the Broncos, but a special mention must go to Jake Turpin. He is bigger this year and gives great dummy-half service as well as super defence, getting himself in front of and around the legs of the opposition.
The Titans were clearly better. The scoreboard reflected that. But it would have been a different game if the Titans had not been able to poach Fifita. It’s worth noting the Titans also fielded two former Broncos in Jarrod Wallace and Ash Taylor.
Further, it has been publicly expressed the Titans intend to raid the Broncos ranks with targeted recruitment of Kotoni Staggs, Xavier Coates and young gun Brendan Piakura.
There are more pieces to the puzzle than two rounds, but the top eight would be a magic moment for the Brisbane Broncos after what we’ve seen. There are too many good teams that can crush inexperienced sides.
I predict Brisbane will win a few games with some flair this year, but they will finish outside the top eight – but then any advancement will be an improvement after the 2020 wooden spoon.
Tony
Roar Guru
:thumbup:
Crow
Roar Pro
Furthermore I’m not impressed by Griffin full stop.
Crow
Roar Pro
Hi Tony. I’m still in Thailand but the net gives me updates. I think you have a solid grip on the game. I enjoy your articles and comments. Keep up the good work. Round one is not far off.
steveng
Roar Rookie
No, they haven't, and Walters is not the man for the job as Renyolds is not either, that was good under the Bunnies infrastructure and leadership, Reynolds is good if he has an offsider like he did at the Bunnies in Walker and GI and then Mitchell but what has Reno done with Staggs and the Bronx?
Crow
Roar Pro
Two years on
Tony
Roar Guru
Yep. 7.22 am here
Crow
Roar Pro
Your quick. You must be in the eastern states. I’m in Thailand but will be home for round one.
Crow
Roar Pro
Have things changed.
Crow
Roar Pro
Have things changed.
Crow
Roar Pro
Good point.
Crow
Roar Pro
Write an article so I can comment
Tony
Roar Guru
Cheers mate
Crow
Roar Pro
Oh Tony. Your actually one of my favourite reads. I always enjoy your articles. All communication needs to be held in context and to some degree accountable. Bronx just got Walsh back. Sure Coates is gone. You can’t keep them all. Staggs is loyal. Farnworth is a standout. Despite the media Cobbo is a good fix for Coates. The passage of time can sometimes be a mystery but it can also be reality. Kind regard Crow.
Crow
Roar Pro
Rellum your a good read. I always enjoy your articles. All communication needs to be held in context. Bronx just got Walsh back. Sure Coates is gone. You can’t keep them all. Staggs is loyal. Farnworth is a standout. Despite the media Cobbo is a good fix for Coates. The passage of time can sometimes be a mystery but it can also be reality. Kind regard Crow.
Nico
Roar Rookie
It really is make or break for Milford this season but he's got a couple of things in his favour: - he's got a full pre-season under his belt and has a decent chance to form combinations with his spine - last season he came into a side already low on confidence and playing poorly. It's hard to turn that around overnight - he's got an organising halves partner in Sean O'Sullivan Let's see what he does with it
Crow
Roar Pro
Two years on and Milford is keen to improve under Bennett. As for Bird, what a dud. Sure injury played a big part. He was off the field more times than on it.
Crow
Roar Pro
Two years on and Fifita has still not delivered. So your correct. Maybe Canberra Can breath life into his game.
Crow
Roar Pro
Embarrassing. For who. Not me. Max Power you should try writing an article or two perhaps. The Roar is about opinion and not about ‘news articles’. I happen to have the opinion Boyd was selfish instead of selfless.
Crow
Roar Pro
Yes it hurts. Have a read of my article from last year. Titled, ‘A letter to Broncos Fans’.
Crow
Roar Pro
I was suggesting Darius would have the creeps coming along to a function right now. Good thing he is into mental health.