Broncos face crisis in forward stocks
WAYNE Bennett has warned there could be more pain on the way for the Broncos after declaring Brisbane’s young forwards were not up to the weekly rigours of the NRL.
Veteran Alex Glenn (knee) and rookie Payne Haas (shoulder) joined Brisbane’s growing casualty ward during Saturday’s shock 38-24 loss to Manly at Suncorp Stadium.
With Test duo Matt Gillett (broken neck) and Josh McGuire (ankle) also sidelined, the Broncos are facing a crisis in their forward stocks as they battle to break into the top eight.
The development of Tevita Pangai Jr, 22, Matt Lodge, 22, Joe Ofahengaue, 22, and Jaydn Su’A, 20, has been a highlight for the Broncos this season, but inconsistency has been an issue.
The Broncos are yet to win three straight matches in 2018, squandering a golden opportunity as the struggling Sea Eagles snapped a five-match losing streak in the Suncorp boilover.
Bennett will have to dip further into his reserve stocks for Friday’s showdown against the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium and admitted his young guns were struggling to perform consistently.
“That’s part of the problem but that’s the reality,” he said.
“We’re lacking some experience right now and each week it multiplies.
“They’re not used to being up every week. They don’t understand that. They don’t play enough football.
“The reality is that’s what we’ve got to do. We can’t use that as an excuse.”
Bennett is running low on options as the halfway mark of the season approaches.
Veteran Sam Thaiday said experienced prop Sam Tagataese should be called up for his second NRL appearance of the season.
“He has played in a lot of big games and is a senior player who can bring a bit of a calmness,” Thaiday said.
Bennett said teenage sensation Haas suffered a dislocated shoulder in his third NRL match. Haas could be sidelined for a significant period while Glenn is expected to miss about a month of footy.
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