Opinion
I thought the Broncos would win the title this year – but it all went to their heads
Andrew Johns
League columnistIf someone said to me at the start of the year the Broncos would be fighting to get away from 15th spot, I would have said you need your head read.
Like many, I tipped Brisbane to win the premiership this season. Surely the fire would be burning brighter than ever after having almost two hands on last year’s trophy?
But here we are. How the mighty have fallen.
So, where’s it all gone wrong for the Broncos? To me, it’s all in the mind.
I have no doubt they got plenty of pats on the back for coming so close to dethroning the Panthers last year, and they carried that into this season. It’s what happens when you’re the biggest names in a rugby league city. But nothing is automatic in this sport and just because they were so close last year didn’t give them the right to be on that stage again.
I watched them really closely against the Bulldogs last week in a game where their season was basically on the line. They were awful. I don’t want to take anything away from Canterbury, who were superb, but the Broncos were horrible.
Adam Reynolds and the Broncos are on the cusp of missing the finals.Credit: Getty Images
They’re not willing to pay the price and do the hard work required to be a consistent NRL team at the moment. That’s just the truth. They’re looking to trick-shot their way to victory and it’s costing them enormously. They’re not winning the effort areas and that’s the most damning assessment you can make of professional NRL players.
I feel sorry for two players: Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan. They’re trying their backsides off, but they’re not getting a lot of help.
Unfortunately for the Broncos, there’s a team building under Des Hasler and I think the Gold Coast can beat Brisbane to end their finals hopes.
Who would have thought they would be in this predicament?
Happy breed of Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are arguably the best story of the season, and returning to Belmore on the cusp of breaking an eight-year finals drought, the fans will be fired up on Sunday.
When I look at them, I just see a happy club. They enjoy being in the company of each other. That translates onto the field, where they’re tough, defending for their mate alongside them and playing with incredible spirit.
But what has impressed me the most is their ability to tweak their game depending on who they’re playing.
Their attack last week against the Broncos absolutely tore Brisbane’s edges to shreds.
It was off the back of countless offloads, and as a result they ended up attacking an unstructured defence. They were willing to move the ball when trying to get out of trouble and I’ve long argued more teams should be willing to stretch a defence even when they’re inside their own half.
Teams drop wingers back early in the tackle count and some of the best times to take advantage of space is when you’re down your own end.
That will all matter little to Ricky Stuart, who will be relishing the chance to play party pooper at Belmore. The Raiders look a different team with Jamal Fogarty back in the No.7 and this is a danger game for Canterbury.
His opposite number, Toby Sexton, had his best game for the Bulldogs last week and it will be his job to settle the nerves of his team and get them into the game.
Bulldogs halfback Toby Sexton will need to settle the team’s nerves against Canberra.Credit: Getty Images
I think Canterbury’s fairytale run will continue at their spiritual home.
Cleary in total command
Is there any chance Nathan Cleary can wake up with a cold and take the day off against the Knights? Us Novocastrians can only pray.
He’s only two games back from another hamstring injury – and those that have suffered them will tell you it can really knock your confidence around – and he is in complete command of his own game.
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary was the star of the show in his team’s comfortable win over the Dragons at WIN Stadium.Credit: Getty Images
He owned every second of that big win against the Dragons last week. Who knows where he will finish up in the record books when his time is done in the game?
As for the Knights, they’ve rung the changes and named Phoenix Crossland at halfback to take on the three-time defending premiers. It’s been a long time since he’s played in the No.7.
Jack Cogger is on the bench and will be crucial to Newcastle having any chance given how intimately he knows Cleary’s game from his time at Penrith.
Dolphins to take a dive
I’m fascinated to see what type of crowd they get in Perth for the Dolphins and Roosters clash, given it’s inevitable one of the new NRL licences will go to Western Australia.
It will be a shame if they drop out, but I can’t see how the Dolphins stay in the top eight until the end of the season. Their depth is really being tested and with a tough run to finish the year, I think they’re going to come up short in a bid for a first finals appearance.
I thought the Roosters were very lucky against Manly last week with the Sea Eagles missing so many outside backs. Trent Robinson won’t be happy with their second halves of late, but with a run home against teams in the bottom nine, I think they’ll safely finish inside the top four.
I suspect we’ll be watching two future State of Origin halfbacks in Isaiya Katoa and Sam Walker up against each other, albeit with very different styles. And the other match-up I’m relishing is the one between the two fullbacks in Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and James Tedesco. I know they have great respect for each other.
This game will be close for 50 to 60 minutes, but I think the Roosters will be too strong in a high-scoring affair.
Tip: Roosters by 12
First try-scorer: Daniel Tupou
MOM: James Tedesco
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