Following their victory in Round 25 over the Parramatta Eels, some analysts are predicting that the Brisbane Broncos might make a significant push for a top-eight finish and potentially unsettle other teams in the finals. Despite a rough start where they trailed 16-0 within the first ten minutes, the Broncos managed to secure a six-point win against Parramatta, who are currently at the bottom of the ladder, thus keeping their slim hopes of reaching the finals alive.
Fox League’s James Graham mentioned that the final two weeks of the season are highly predictable. He suggested that Melbourne might opt to rest their key players in their last game of the season against the Broncos. This situation mirrors the final round of the previous season, where both Brisbane and Melbourne rested players due to their secured positions in the finals. However, with Brisbane still uncertain of their finals prospects and Melbourne assured of a top-four finish, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has hinted at resting his stars in the remaining rounds.
If the Broncos can win their remaining matches against the Storm and the Dolphins, both of whom are also competing for a finals spot, it would mark an impressive turnaround for Brisbane. They have not been in the top eight since Round 14 and have only won three games since then. Graham noted that while some might view a potential finals berth for the Broncos as unfair, especially if they play a weakened Storm side, the Broncos would not be concerned. He emphasized that qualifying for the finals is the key objective.
Fox League’s Greg Alexander agreed with Graham, asserting that the Broncos’ challenging season does not diminish the significance of their potential playoff spot. Michael Ennis, a former premiership winner, acknowledged that while the Broncos may not have performed well throughout the season, their resilience, especially in their comeback win, deserves recognition. Ennis praised the efforts of players like halfback Adam Reynolds and forward Corey Jensen, who stepped up despite injuries to key players.
Although key players Ezra Mam, Payne Haas, and Reece Walsh have been sidelined, Ennis believes that if the Broncos make it to the finals and integrate their returning stars, they could become a formidable team that other finals contenders would need to be wary of. The Broncos coach, Kevin Walters, is confident about making the finals and believes they can challenge strongly if they perform well in their upcoming matches.
In their next match, the Broncos will face the Dolphins, a significant game for both teams as they vie for the eighth spot. Their previous encounter earlier in the season saw Brisbane win 28-14, despite missing Reynolds and Haas.
Elsewhere in the league, the New Zealand Warriors suffered setbacks during their Round 25 loss to the Bulldogs. Starting centre Adam Pompey injured his knee early in the match and will miss the remainder of the season. Additionally, star centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck sustained a concussion from a collision with Stephen Crichton’s shoulder and will be sidelined for the Warriors’ final game due to the NRL’s concussion protocols.
The Bulldogs also face concerns with lock Kurt Mann, who left the field with a shoulder injury late in the game. Reports suggest Mann might have a broken collarbone and could be out for approximately six weeks. Earlier, the Wests Tigers lost halfback Aidan Sezer to a shoulder injury during their win over Manly, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming games.
