Roar Rookie
Joined April 2025
1.5k
Views
1
Published
5
Comments
Published
Comments
The Brisbane Broncos burst into the 2025 season with renewed hope under Michael Maguire, but early wins have come against weak opposition, and back-to-back…
Nailed it Fraser.
A rugby league eye test article highlighted how Broncos back three are averaging 300m, by far the worst in the comp and 160m behind the Bulldogs who are leading the competition at 570m per game.
Other coaches have made astute signings in the last offseason to get stronger backline carries, whether it be Montoya at the Bulldogs, Tuipulotu at the Dragons or Tamale at the Raiders.
Broncos recruitment have got no clue, and most of the young talent in the backs are a smaller build, such as Mariner and Karapani.
What Broncos must fix to become NRL contenders - and why they'll fall short
Thanks for the input Forty,
2024 to 2023 Broncos comparisons have been done to death already, but it’s clear that this year’s roster is not simply a more experienced version of the 2023 roster.
Farnworth and Flegler are well documented losses, but they have also lost Capewell (underrated defence and ball playing that added an extra dimension to the left side attack) and Palasia (who averaged 150 running metres in the final series).
Many players have also regressed, namely Riki and Walsh.
The current team simply doesn’t have the post contact metres from their outside backs and edge second rowers. Mam and Walsh excel from quick play the balls and forward momentum, and the current roster is not able to generate that beyond Haas and Carrigan.
What Broncos must fix to become NRL contenders - and why they'll fall short
Thanks dogs.
Yes, too many hookers and not enough mobile forwards. They have been trying Smoothy as a lock in cup, but he has never been a run first player and does not have the size to work there. Nor is he in the club’s long-term plans after being signed to ESL in 2026.
They have to play Carrigan at lock and let Hetherington play that small forward role off the bench.
What Broncos must fix to become NRL contenders - and why they'll fall short
Thanks Tony 😁
What Broncos must fix to become NRL contenders - and why they'll fall short
Thanks Succhi, I don’t think Mam is some silver bullet, but you simply need a running threat from your five eighth. As much as I hate the cliche to tell your halves to just run more, especially in big games where forwards and backs get tired, halves have to be taking the line on consistently.
The stats might show that Brisbane’s left side attack is doing okay, but almost all of their points have come through kicks and cut out passes. This won’t be a reliable source of attack in finals intensity games and if wingers stay on their man.
What Broncos must fix to become NRL contenders - and why they'll fall short