Broncos to ‘shock’ comp
BRONCOS enforcer Pat Carrigan has sent a warning to rival teams that Brisbane have a finals team that will “shock’’ the competition.
With three wins a row, including the impressive scalps of Cronulla and South Sydney, confidence is rising the Broncos can make their first finals appearance in three years.
If they beat Manly in Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night it would be their best winning streak since Wayne Bennett’s 2017 team won six in a row. “I think we can shock a few people this season,’’ said Carrigan, who muscled up for one of the best games of his career returning from a knee injury against the Rabbitohs.
“As a club, we’ve had some tough times the last few years, so it would be massive to play finals football this year.
“I believe we have a finals roster and we have to perform accordingly. I know the guys at the start of the year talked about the potential we have in this place, but we haven’t turned it into consistent performances.
“But this is an opportunity for us to play finals footy and test us out and see how far we can go in the competition.’’
Bookmakers have slashed the Broncos’ premiership odds in half to $32, a quote which still ranks their chances of another title as unlikely. But they are now considered odds-on to make the final eight.
The Broncos have the potential to surge up the ladder and are expected to start favourite in their next three games – against Manly, the Titans and the Raiders.
Skipper Adam Reynolds stole the show with a commanding performance against Souths but Carrigan’s robust running and tackling was a key plank in the victory, especially with forward leaders Payne Haas and Kurt Capewell out injured.
“We have had some bad luck with injuries to Payne and Kurt but we are trying to drive a next-man-up mentality,” said Carrigan, who missed most of last season after rupturing an ACL in May and was sidelined for a month after another knee injury this season.
“It’s been tough mentally. I went 22 years without getting a major injury and then I’ve had a few back-to-back, but I need to look at it overall and I’ve been pretty lucky to have a good run with injuries over my career.
“I was just missing footy. It was good to get back out there and play. The younger guys are stepping up so it’s pleasing to put in the work during the week and get the results.’’
Reynolds’ calm demeanour remains a major force in the club’s revival and Carrigan said that had enhanced his enjoyment in the game.
“It’s great to have guys like Reyno at the club. He is a breath of fresh air,” he said.