CRISIS ROCKS THE BRONCOS Futures on the line after Brisbane’s dismal end to the season
Pointers to a bright future
BASKETBALL VETERAN hooker Andrew McCullough admits his future at Brisbane may be on the line after their embarrassing NRL finals exit, saying he deserves plenty of criticism.
McCullough also expressed regret after it emerged six players left the team hotel to play the pokies in a pub without coach Anthony Seibold’s knowledge past 11pm on the night before their 58-0 elimination-final loss to Parramatta.
McCullough appeared on thin ice when he joined Broncos teammates at their Red Hill headquarters to face the music from Seibold at their end of season review.
There had already been reports the underperforming rake was on the outer ahead of the 2020 season before he was named as one of the players seen at Sydney’s Harpoon and Hotel Harry late on Saturday before their record drubbing.
The others were Matt Gillett, Anthony Milford, Corey Oates, Payne Haas and David Fifita. Highly paid fullback Milford and former Cronulla premiership player Jack Bird were also expected to be told they are on notice at yesterday’s review.
There was speculation veteran Darius Boyd would not only step down from the captaincy but may be asked to move on, with reports claiming he was not in Seibold’s 2020 round one plans.
It remains to be seen what Seibold said after no one at the club spoke with the media yesterday. But McCullough – a 12season Broncos veteran – did admit he was sweating on his future.
“Speculation and rumours always comes after a heavy loss. Being an older player within that team, that’s just the way it is,” McCullough said.
“I’m not blind to the fact that things may need to happen. But is it me (leaving)? I am not too sure.
“(But) I certainly deserve plenty of criticism my way.”
Club officials on Tuesday said they would consider the players’ behaviour when they carry out their end-of-season review which will help determine the roster. MORE ON PAGE 28