Broncos’ big boys told to fire

NSW coach Brad Fittler has challenged Brisbane’s Origin contenders Matt Lodge and Payne Haas to fire up as NRL enforcers, claiming the Broncos lacked unity to be a premiership team last season.

Haas and Lodge are eyeing NSW Origin jumpers this season but Fittler says the Broncos Twin Towers’ primary focus should be providing the muscle and aggression to break Brisbane’s 14-year premiership drought.

Lodge was in the frame for a NSW call-up last year before being usurped by teammate Haas, who bolted into the Blues squad for an Origin I debut after just 10 NRL games.

Haas was named in an extended NSW squad in December for a pre-season camp, but Lodge’s omission is a sign Fittler wants more impact from the Broncos’ pack leader.

Broncos coach Anthony Seibold is under pressure to right the wrongs of a 2019 campaign that ended with a finals disaster against Parramatta. Fittler believes Brisbane’s title hopes hinge on the LodgeHaas alliance.

“Payne and Lodge need to drive the Broncos,” Fittler said.

“It’s something I didn’t really see last year – the Broncos as a team didn’t seem like a unit.

“Individually, they (Lodge and Haas) can have some great games but you need to get your team to win.

“They are only young and it’s a big ask for them at the moment, but Lodge and Haas have to lead the way and rally their team.”

The 24-year-old Lodge is entering a critical midpoint of his career.

The controversial prop has amassed 47 games in two seasons for the Broncos and is forging a promising partnership with the 118kg Haas, who at 20 is regarded as a front-row superstar.

The Broncos’ annual objective is a top-four finish but Fittler believes Lodge and Haas will face enormous responsibility in the engine room.