STRONG DEFENCE IS KEY TO FORWARD MOMENTUM
THE Brisbane Broncos need to focus squarely on their defence this year. There’s no doubt last season would have left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Broncos after they were sitting fourth with six rounds to go and weren’t able to make the finals. I’ve heard coach Kevin Walters talk a lot about their defence so I’d like to see evidence that has changed in the offseason. We’ve seen that scoring points for them isn’t an issue, but resilience and being able to stay in the game certainly let them down at different stages last year.
BACKS
The Broncos have a quality backline. To his credit, Corey Oates had his best season in the NRL last year and he needs to replicate that again. We know what Kotoni Staggs can bring but don’t see it consistently enough. I’ve got a huge rap on Herbie Farnworth and we saw what he can do before he got injured. There is no ceiling for Selwyn Cobbo, but it’s about learning his craft and executing consistently.
SPINE
When you look at individuals, Reece Walsh is an exciting young player who can create something from nothing. The challenge for Adam Reynolds is going to be staying fit for the season. His experience is second to none and when we saw the Broncos at their best last year it was generally off the back of what Reynolds was able to come up with. Ezra Mam has only scratched the surface at five-eighth. Will have a target on his back after everyone had a look at him last year. The dilemma for the Broncos is who is their best No.9? It looks like Billy Walters will get the nod and he needs to fire. The spine has strong individual assets but collectively they need to unite and find some cohesion. The teams that win competitions have that understanding in the spine.
FORWARDS
The Broncos are stacked with representative players in the forward pack. Payne Haas, Tom Flegler, Kurt Capewell and Pat Carrigan are also Origin players. The recruitment of Marty Taupau has added some experience and Jordan Riki is on the rise. They have some underrated props in Corey Jensen and Keenan Palasia who get a job done. The challenge is putting consistent performances together collectively for long parts of the season.