The Broncos’ slim chance of reaching the finals is the only thing preventing an ‘abject failure,’ as the puzzling reality of 2024 is revealed.
The Brisbane Broncos’ 2024 season would be ruled an “abject failure” if they fall short of qualifying for finals football.
Kevin Walters’ side’s September fate remains uncertain, with the club needing a perfect end to the season, and teams around them to falter, for them to
Fox League’s James Hoopers believes it would be an “abject failure” if Brisbane fall short of the top eight after going so close to winning the competition last season.
failure.”
Tallis also feels the club would be disappointed in their failure to carry their 2023 form into 2024, particularly with some of the top side’s showing weaknesses throughout the season.
“They would have certainly eyed off the top four and to have a real shot. Now you see where Penrith are at and Melbourne, if they were in the top four they’d be the side that people were liking,” he said.
Heading into their Round 26 clash with the Dolphins, billed as the Battle of Brisbane, Walters’ side sit ninth on 26 points, two points behind the eighth placed Dragons but with a far superior for and against.
Carayannis “can’t see” the Broncos qualifying for the eight, despite both Walters insisting the club would after last week’s comeback win over the Eels.
“There is no if here, we’re going to make the finals,” Walters said in his post-match press conference.
After their clash with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins, Brisbane face the Melbourne Storm, who will likely be at full strength after resting 11 players this week, in their final round of the season.
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta also believes Brisbane will make the eight, but admits the confidence from Walters and his roster is necessary at this stage of the season.
“They seem to be in this cocoon where they have the ultimate belief that they are going to make the finals and they haven’t underachieved this year,” he said.
“I love the confidence. I love the belief at this stage, because they need it.”
With their season on the line and the Battle of Brisbane looming, the Broncos are set to be boosted by the return of one of their key stars this week.
An interesting name has been included in the Roosters’ extended reserves amid an injury to a star outside back.
Meanwhile, Cam Murray’s season is over after he failed to have a Grade Two Careless Tackle charge downgraded.
15. Jacob Host 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Siliva Havili 18. Dean Hawkins 19. Liam Le Blanc 20. Brock Gray 21. Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson 22. Richard Kennar
Players cut:
Early Mail: Despite a suspension looming over him, skipper Cam Murray was named pending a judiciary hearing on Tuesday night to downgrade his Grade Two Careless High Tackle charge. That bid failed, meaning he’ll miss three games – the final two this season and next year’s opener. Expect Keaon Koloamatangi to shift to lock and Liam Le Blanc to come onto the bench.
Early Mail: Star prop Payne Haas is edging closer to a return from a foot injury, with the prop spotted training with the rest of the Broncos squad ahead of their clash with the Dolphins. Speaking on Wide World of Sports’ QLDer, Broncos great Darren Lockyer said the Blues representative has “got to get through one more session,” before being selected, but admitted he “might be ready to go.”
