Hurt Broncos go on the defensive
WEIGHTED sleds and a mini tug of war were part of Brisbane’s Monday morning training session as the club looks to fix its woeful defence ahead of Thursday’s clash with ladder leader Penrith.
The move comes after it was revealed some players were concerned about the club’s defensive coaching under former mentor Anthony Seibold.
The sleds and tug of war have been part of Brisbane’s training this year but were brought back k on Monday in an effort to fatigue the players during defensive drills.
Broncos forward Rhys Kennedy – a Masters student of Exercise Science – said the focus at training had shifted to the club’s goal line defence after allowing the Sydney Roosters to score 58 points last weekend.
“We started today with a defensive focus,” Kennedy said.
“(Conceding) 58 points on the weekend is just not good enough and we can’t let that happen for the rest of the
season. That’s the goal. “That’s what wins games and that’s where we’re starting.
“(Our goal line defence) is what we’ve been working on today and the last couple weeks because a few of those one-on-one decisions on the line certainly weren’t good enough.”
The Broncos are also set to welcome back Corey Oates (leg injury) and Payne Haas (suspension) for their Round 17 clash at Suncorp Stadium to add some experience to the young Brisbane pack.
Kennedy hit back at suggestions the playing group was unfit and instead pointed to a lack of experience on the field.
“There’s no excuses that we’re a young team (but) when you have leaders and experienced players around you, they know how to make smarter decisions at the back end of the game,” Kennedy said.
“That’s probably what we lack and we’ve spoken about that the last couple weeks.
“I definitely think we’re fit enough. It’s just about being smarter.”