Phil Gould, a respected figure in rugby league, has suggested that the roots of the Brisbane Broncos’ disappointing season were evident during their loss in Las Vegas to the Roosters, a game they fell 20-10 in. After a challenging end to the previous season, where they narrowly missed out on the grand final victory, the Broncos have faced a dismal 2024 campaign, culminating in a humiliating 40-6 defeat to the Dolphins in round 26.
On Nine’s 100% Footy, Gould referred to the heavy loss against the Dolphins as a “coaching masterclass from Wayne Bennett” and described the outcome as “horrendous” for the Broncos. He expressed doubts about the team’s ability to recover from such a setback, labeling it as “horrendous” and questioning how they could bounce back from such a demoralizing defeat.
Gould’s analysis points to the Las Vegas match as a significant indicator of the Broncos’ troubles. He argues that the team’s issues were apparent from the beginning of the season, despite their near-success the previous year. The Broncos, who came within 15 minutes of winning the grand final, seemingly failed to address their weaknesses during the off-season. Gould noted that while they retained a roster filled with talented players, they also lost crucial experience with the departures of key figures such as Tom Flegler, Herbie Farnworth, and Kurt Capewell. These changes have been highlighted as major factors in their underperformance.
Gould observed that although the Broncos showed some signs of recovery during the season, they consistently struggled in critical moments. They suffered several heavy losses to teams that were expected to be less competitive, which further emphasized their decline. This trend continued despite brief periods of improvement, suggesting that their initial struggles were not effectively resolved.
The off-season saw significant changes to the Broncos’ squad. The exits of Flegler, Farnworth, and Capewell were substantial, leaving gaps that the team has struggled to fill. The team’s attempt to rebuild with younger players has not been successful this year. Paul Gallen, another former player, noted that the loss of experienced players has been a significant blow to the team. He emphasized that in times of adversity, experienced players play a critical role in stabilizing the team and guiding them through rough patches. Gallen suggested that the Broncos’ reliance on younger talent might have been premature, as these players lack the experience needed to manage and overcome challenging situations.
Additionally, injuries to key players such as Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds have compounded the Broncos’ difficulties. Gallen pointed out that the team’s lack of seasoned players and leadership has been evident throughout the season. The combination of losing experienced players, struggling to adapt to the changes, and dealing with injuries has contributed to what has been described as a “shocking” season for the Broncos.
Overall, the Broncos’ season has been marked by significant challenges, including the loss of experienced players, the failure to adequately replace them, and ongoing injury problems. Despite having a roster with considerable talent, these issues have led to a season characterized by underachievement and frustration.
