Brisbane Broncos have slipped out of the NRL top eight, causing concern among fans and former players. Despite beginning the season as premiership favorites, the Broncos have dropped to ninth place following their third consecutive loss in round 15.
Coach Kevin Walters remains optimistic after their defeat to South Sydney, but doubts are rising about the Broncos’ status as genuine title contenders for 2024. The team has struggled in the absence of key players Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds, and numerous off-season departures have strained the squad’s depth, especially during the State of Origin period.
Club legend Darren Lockyer has identified long-standing issues within the team that go beyond the recent injuries. He argues that Reynolds’ injury should not serve as an excuse for their performance. “They are down on a bit of confidence,” Lockyer stated on Nine’s QLDER. “A lot of errors and the errors have been there all year and they haven’t really rectified that … it’s just shooting themselves in the foot.”
Lockyer noted that the Broncos’ loss to the Rabbitohs was not surprising given their current execution level. He emphasized that discussing Reynolds’ absence is a distraction and urged the team to focus on improving their game. “At the moment, they are trying to force opportunities without building that pressure.”
In their match against the Bunnies, Brisbane made 18 errors in the rain, missing several try-scoring opportunities at Accor Stadium. Despite the evident attacking talent, Lockyer advised the team to simplify their approach to regain their form. “The best way to get through this is just to get back to basics,” he said.
He believes a reset is necessary and that the upcoming bye week will provide a crucial break for the younger players to recharge. “When you’ve lost a bit of momentum and confidence, you’ve just got to bring it all back to the basics and start again,” Lockyer explained. He stressed the importance of focusing on completing sets and building team confidence rather than attempting expansive plays.
The Broncos will receive two points for the bye in round 16, which should offer some respite before they face the Warriors.
