The Brisbane Broncos’ 2024 season is hanging by a thread, with their chances of making the finals looking increasingly slim. If they fail to qualify, the season would be considered an “abject failure,” according to Fox League’s James Hooper. This is especially disappointing given that the team came so close to winning the competition last season.
The Broncos, coached by Kevin Walters, need a perfect finish to their season and some luck with other teams’ performances to have a shot at the finals. Hooper emphasized that given the team’s near success last year and their strong roster, not making the top eight would be a significant letdown. He stated that failing to qualify for the finals would make the entire season a write-off.
At the start of 2024, many experts and former players predicted that the Broncos would win the premiership. However, a combination of factors has led to their disappointing performance, including long-term injuries to key players like Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh. Michael Carayannis of The Daily Telegraph echoed Hooper’s sentiments, arguing that if the Broncos miss the finals, it would be a major underachievement. He mentioned that while the team might try to maintain a positive outlook, failing to reach the finals after coming so close to winning the premiership last year would be a huge letdown.
Broncos legend Gorden Tallis also weighed in, agreeing that if the team doesn’t make the finals, their season would be a failure. He noted that the team would likely be disappointed with their inability to carry their strong 2023 form into 2024. Tallis pointed out that with some of the top teams showing weaknesses this season, the Broncos should have been aiming for a top-four finish and a real shot at the title. He believes that if the Broncos had made it into the top four, they would have been a team that others would fear.
As they approach their Round 26 match against the Dolphins, dubbed the Battle of Brisbane, the Broncos are in ninth place with 26 points, just two points behind the eighth-placed Dragons. However, they have a better points differential, which gives them a slight edge. According to Fox Sports Lab, the Broncos currently have a 19.9% chance of making the top eight.
Despite the odds, Carayannis is doubtful that the Broncos will qualify for the finals. This skepticism remains even after Walters expressed confidence following their recent comeback win over the Eels. Walters insisted that there was no doubt in his mind that the team would make the finals, but Carayannis remains unconvinced.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will face the Dolphins in their next match, followed by a final round clash with the Melbourne Storm. The Storm are expected to be at full strength for this game, as they rested 11 players in their previous match. This makes the Broncos’ task even more challenging as they fight for a spot in the finals.
NRL 360 host Braith Anasta also believes that the Broncos will make it into the top eight. However, he acknowledged that the confidence and belief displayed by Walters and his team are crucial at this stage of the season. Anasta admires their confidence and believes it is necessary for them to maintain this mindset as they approach the final rounds of the season.
In summary, the Brisbane Broncos’ 2024 season is teetering on the edge, and failing to make the finals would be seen as a massive disappointment, especially given their strong performance last year. While some, like Walters and Anasta, hold onto hope and confidence, the reality of their situation is that they need a perfect finish and some luck to avoid what many would consider a failed season.
