Desperate to solve Brisbane’s halves crisis, Kevin Walters hopes one day the NRL club can have their cake and eat it too, like Thursday’s rivals Penrith.
Last year’s wooden spooners will shuffle their No.6 and No.7 combination for the ninth time in the last 15 games.
But it will be the first time Anthony Milford is dropped – rather than shifted or unavailable because of injury – in what has been dubbed a “line in the sand” moment for the five-time Broncos premiership player-turned coach.
Instead Brodie Croft and Tom Dearden will pair up again at Suncorp Stadium against a rampaging, table-topping Penrith (5-0).
Walters used a sweet analogy to describe the club’s position five games into a 25-round season, even if his calculations were slightly off.
“If you look at a cake, we’ve had a quarter of the cake but there’s still three-quarters of the cake to eat and that’s what excites me,” he said.
Brisbane have rarely had cake in the last two seasons, let alone eaten it, while the Panthers have never gone hungry behind firing halves duo Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.
“They’re playing some good footy, the two of them and leading the way. It’s a big challenge to be up to the standard that they set,” Walters said.
“But I do take it (solving Brisbane’s halves issues) personally … they’ve (Croft and Dearden) been given a great opportunity and it’s up to them to grab that and just play like everyone knows five-eighths and halfbacks should play.”
Brisbane are $12 outsiders to upset the Panthers, who have conceded just 26 points this season compared to the Broncos’ 127.
“There is always pressure on the Broncos, it’s the jersey, it’s the badge, regardless of what other people think we need this team and I believe this team will go out and give a good account of themselves,” Walters said
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Croft Cake. Delicious!
Adam
Roar Guru
Actually, looks like Karmichael Hunt might be back. Season saved...
Nat
Roar Guru
It was described as indefinite when it happened but the QRL site him playig Rnd 1 for Norths. https://www.qrl.com.au/players/intrust-super-cup/norths-devils/dale-copley/
Emcie
Roar Guru
Just found an injury update from the trial that says likely to be out for 2 months. Guess pre-season wasn't as long ago as it feels...
Nat
Roar Guru
I'm not sure. Just looking at the QRL site he hasn't played for Norths since Rnd 1 and that was weeks after he took the throat shot in the trials. There doesn't seem to be anything more I can find.
Emcie
Roar Guru
what's going on with Copley?
Emcie
Roar Guru
yeah.... I dunno what to say... at least we'll get a look at how Oates adjusts I guess. If he sees the ball
Nat
Roar Guru
Mead and Kennar... the $12 might be valid...
Emcie
Roar Guru
oh. That'll be interesting
Adam
Roar Guru
They might as well not play halves this week in all honesty. Pick 8 forwards to start
Nat
Roar Guru
I think he's pushing Mead into the centers and Oates comes back to the wing.
andrew
Roar Rookie
It could be a cricket score if the Broncos forwards don't do their job tonight no matter who's playing in the halves. I'd like to see the Broncos make a game of it,throw caution to the wind.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Any idea who's inline to replace Arthars now? Bit hard to bring Nui back in after litterally just dropping him
Paul
Roar Guru
He hasn't watched enough tape of Wayne Bennett or Jack Gibson.
Nat
Roar Guru
4 weeks, Panthers, Parra, Titans and NQ. Although, not exactly an easy run in the QRL either. Souths might find themselves with a crowd on Sunday...
andrew
Roar Rookie
I don't understand Kevvie. Watching him last night he was virtually apologizing for dropping Milford. Just tell it as it is Kevvie, Milford's form has been terrible.
Emcie
Roar Guru
I'm starting to think Kevvie might actually be in Milfords corner. Letting him play reserve grade when the team is expected to get pummelled seems like it'd benifits Milf more then the Broncos.