Origin ‘will make or break Broncos’
Brisbane legend Corey Parker believes the Broncos are bound for a drought-breaking finals campaign if Kevin Walters’ troops can navigate the six-game stretch that will make or break their season.
Teetering after three losses from their last four games, the Broncos are under pressure to stabilise without their Origin stars in Saturday’s testing road trip to New Zealand to face the vastly improved Warriors.
In a bonanza for Brisbane fans, the next six Broncos games will be shown live and exclusively on Fox League and Kayo, starting with their game against the Warriors at Mclean Park in Napier.
Competition leaders just a fortnight ago, the Broncos have dropped to fourth on percentages ahead of clashes with the Warriors (a), Cronulla (a), Newcastle (h), Titans (h), Dolphins (Gabba) and Canterbury (a).
In between those six games, the Broncos will enjoy two byes, and Parker is confident Brisbane can avoid last year’s late-season collapse to reach the playoffs.
The Broncos, wooden spooners under Anthony Seibold in 2020, haven’t played finals football since 2019 – the worst playoffs drought in Brisbane’s decorated 35-year history.
“It’s a tricky period, but I believe they are in a position to make the finals,” Parker said.
“These next six games are a crucial period for the Broncos.
“You take their three most consistent players out for Origin (Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Reece Walsh) and it’s a huge blow for the Broncos.
“I have no doubt they can make the finals from here. They were leading the comp for nine weeks so should they play finals this year? Absolutely.
“They have proven they have a finals team, but it’s a long season and they need to get through these next six games in good shape.
“We all remember how they collapsed last year, so Brisbane need to identify the lessons from last season, but also identify that’s not where they will be this year.
“The Broncos have failed to beat Penrith, Melbourne and Souths lately so they need to turn it around against a dangerous Warriors team.”