The Brisbane Broncos will suit up to take on the Melbourne Storm this weekend in what could prove to be a thrilling contest.
The Broncos have gone from being a bottom three team, to finding themselves just one win away from securing their spot in the top in the top eight. They’ve struggled to beat top four teams over the year; however, I think they will be fired up for a Friday night blockbuster at Suncorp.
A Broncos fan like myself couldn’t ask for much more from our team this season, as not many people would have them sitting inside the top six after Round 22 and be in the hunt for a top four finish.
There hasn’t been any particular reason towards red hills success, although if you had to name a player who has improved the side phenomenally, it would be Adam Reynolds.
Reynolds has bought a sense of elegance and spice to Brisbane’s attack. His halves partner Ezra Mam has also been outstanding; making a case for rookie of the year.
The Storm have beaten the Broncos in each of their past eleven match ups and will look to continue their dominance over Brisbane.
The Storm looked to be out of shape mid-way through the year after conceding four losses in a row. Injuries have been a major factor throughout the season and in particularly that sluggish period, however they’re back to the high Melbourne standards; currently on a three-game winning streak and sitting back in the top four.
The Storm are close to 100 percent healthy, as Jerome Hughes will make his return in the halves after a mild shoulder injury, which costed him two weeks on the sideline.
Of course, if Melbourne wish to win their second premiership in three years, they’ll have to do it without Ryan Papenhuyzen. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, would know Papenhuyzen suffered a horrific season ending injury in Melbourne’s Round 18 loss to the Raiders.
The Storm will all-but lock in a top four position if they come home with the two points against Brisbane. If they lose, they won’t give up their top four spot by the end of this round, however a defeat could put their top four finish in jeopardy.
This is a massive game for both teams but the Broncos need this game more than the Storm. Brisbane have beaten just one top four team this season and will be wanting to prove they’re a contender, rather than pretender.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
They were good! Like you, I hope for a top performance, next week, against the Roosters. They are in great form & will be a huge challenge. For me, it's still one week at a time, but I sure hope for big things.
Davooo
Guest
Well, make that 2 good wins in a row. Hopefully they put in a big effort against the roosters next week. If they get the win there, top 4 finish is a lock
Davooo
Guest
At the end of the day, the outs storm have currently and have had during the season far outweigh the addition of nofoaluma on a loan deal. Obviously there won't be any more players arriving at Melbourne this season given the transfer deadline has passed..... not that a Penrith fan should be crying about a side bringing in a player, I'm sure you weren't too upset last year when Penrith added pangai Jr to a fit and healthy roster on a short term, cut price deal just in time for the finals.
Chris
Guest
You have a good point. However, Penrith didn’t go out & buy more players to fit , under their salary cap either? No Edwards, May, JFH , Luai, Cleary. That’s most of the spine that didn’t play for Penrith against the Storm, plus others. They still produced plenty of try scoring opportunities & just didn’t finish them off. So plenty to work with there . If they meet again, Penrith will most likely have their players back. Will the Storm buy some more? Who knows.
Christo
Roar Guru
A horrible night to be a broncos fan…
Fraser
Roar Rookie
Yeah I have a membership but had a few friends coming tonight. We had to buy third tier. Luckily there was a row free in front of my normal members tickets. Painful game though.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
They need to win. Storm won't be easy.
zonecadet
Roar Rookie
Don't forget Jennings is out too and no gaurantee Hughes will play either.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
All true Davooo & I hope your optimism pays off. I really like to win, but this year, due to our horrible run of injuries, I will count 2022 a success if we finish top 4 & don't bomb out in straight sets.
Muzz
Guest
Great test for the Broncos. It should be a great game! I think they can win.
Nat
Roar Guru
Memberships are the way to go.
Birdy
Roar Rookie
I don't follow either side but an earthquake won't stop me from watching tonight. A must win for both sides. I'll tip storm by 11+. Big job for Reynolds tonight.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
I'm pretty pumped for tonight's game. Going to be a huge crowd. 40k+ I reckon. Tickets were difficult to get.
Chris
Roar Pro
I think it could happen. I hope it does. And form changes very, very quickly- Cowbs were flying ahead of everyone else a few weeks ago. But without Paps it's tricky. I'm an eternal pessimist- last year during our win streak I found something to pick apart. My view is that our rivals will know how to beat us. But I do think Munster will shine and lead the team to just short.
Nat
Roar Guru
Is Hughes back though? He was named last week and didn’t play. I heard Bellamy on the radio on Wednesday that he would be out for a few more weeks yet. Playing funny beggars is your coach. Not that it really matters. I’ll be there in support but my hopes are not high. Should the mighty Broncos get up - look out Caxton !
Davooo
Guest
Why not? It's just as likely for the storm as any other side. Cows have started to show some vulnerabilities, sharks are solid, but far from unbeatable, Eels are a total crap shoot as to what side will turn up on any given day, south's just showed they're close, but might not have the temperament to get the job done when the pressure ramps up, roosters are travelling ok, but no sure thing Broncos have done well this season, but I haven't seen enough of late to think they'll go all the way...... and then there's Penrith, they're as close to a sure thing as you'd see, but a cruel twist of fate with injury/s or the judiciary could bring them back to earth. Likewise the next 2 weeks could see them burn too much fuel trying to cover for their current outs. Or maybe with the minor locked uo, they take their foot off, lose their rhythm and struggle to right the ship come finals time..... there's a lot of football between here and grand final day, and even a sure bet like the pennies could come up shy. Melbourne sure have in the past.
Davooo
Guest
True, but after the 4 L games they've gotten progressively better each week, last week was as fit and determined as they've looked all year. Bellamy may have timed the sides run just right this year despite the horror run with injury throughout the season. Put it like this, I'd wouldn't be surprised if they pull a 2012 and go all the way undefeated, likewise I wouldn't be surprised if they get bounced out of the finals with consecutive losses. Rugby league is a funny old game, and nothing is ever certain ...... it's why us fans love it
Chris
Roar Pro
Call it a late season revival, and yeah I don't see us getting to the GF, but we get up for Broncs games. Hughes back is a massive in for our Purple People.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
We have only had the one "good" win, so, imo, we still have a long way to go before thinking about playing in a Grand Final.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
The longer a team has a winning streak against a particular opponent, the more changes in personnel are involved so it makes you wonder how these “bogey team” situations occur. Didn’t the Dragons have a similar run of “outs” against the Raiders in recent years? Not even home ground advantage for the Broncos has turned the Storm tide & in fact I recall Melbourne putting on plenty of points on occasions at Suncorp during their “run”.