Round 1 Lineup

[holdzy]

We face a good problem in the forwards next year. We need to fit all of the following players in 5 starting spots and 4 bench spot.

Asiata
Bullimor
Carrigan
Flegler
Glenn
Haas
Lodge
Oates
Paix
Teo
Turpin
TPJ


Its a massive headache. Made easier if Lodge is moved on except I think he is very talented, has experience, and is a strong leader. His price tag and length are terrible but maybe 1 more good year out of him would help us cover more of his contract if we move him on.

For me the easiest choice is Oates on the bench. He gets to learn how to be a second rower, and he cover a backline injury.

The second easiest choice is Asiata to play at Lock moving Carrigan into the forwards. It’s obvious that Kev intends to use him as a third playmaker. However I probably wouldn’t start him. Instead I would start TPJ at 13 and bring Asiata on fresh after TPJ rips in for the first 20 mins. Asiata also covers and injury in the halves.

13. TPJ
14. Asiata
15. Oates

For me Haas starts and plays 60 minutes with a mid game rest. I think of the remaining props I’d start Lodge. Big aggressive and has a quick play the ball. Carrigan and Flegler are the remaining benches.

8. Haas
10. Lodge
13. TPJ
14. Asiata
15. Oates
16. Carrigan
17. Flegler

With no bench spots remaining only 1 spot is left for a hooker. That means we will need 80 minutes out of our hooker. It hurts to say but I think this means Macca gets the nod. Unless Turpin proves he can be effective for 80. Good coaching can allow for him to have breaks while on the field. For example Croft/Dearden can play some hooker coming out of our own half on kick returns or the backs can utilise dummy half runs.

The last 2 positions are our second row. Glenn is a walk in starter thanks to his experience and consistency. Riki starts over Oates imo, until Oates earns the start or Riki deserves to lose it.

The hardest part is where TPJ plays during his 2nd stint. i think ideally neither Glenn, Riki or Oates play full 80. Both starting 2nd row have a break.

As the roster stands, my forwards would be:

8. Haas
9. Macca
10. Lodge
11. Glenn
12. Riki
13. TPJ

14. Asiata
15. Oates
16. Carrigan
17. Flegler

Unless the script gets flipped, Asiata came here to be a starting 13.

 

[theshed]

Unless the script gets flipped, Asiata came here to be a starting 13.

I get that but being a bench lock here is very different to being a bench lock at the Cowboys. I don’t think he’s as effective over 80 minutes. He’ll still get 60 minutes which is far more than he’d get warming the bench for Lolo. So if he isn’t going to play 80 imo it would be better to keep him fresh for the first 20 rather than take him off later.

 

[holdzy]

I get that but being a bench lock here is very different to being a bench lock at the Cowboys. I don’t think he’s as effective over 80 minutes. He’ll still get 60 minutes which is far more than he’d get warming the bench for Lolo. So if he isn’t going to play 80 imo it would be better to keep him fresh for the first 20 rather than take him off later.

Could very well be the plan. I think there is some sort of understanding in place.

He might start, he might come off the bench. Some agreement might have been reached, but he wants to be a starting 13, it will be interesting to see what happens. Very interesting balance to be struck at the Broncos in terms of starting/bench players. It will be crucial.

 

[Foordy]

Just on Lodge, there's a good article in the CM titled: "Why Broncos should stand by Lodge for a second time" written by Chris Honnery.
they quote Billy Moore and Corey Parker, (it's a pros and cons article) ... here are the quotes from the article:

BRISBANE NEED HIS LEADERSHIP

Billy Moore:

“With the rest of the roster they’ve currently got, he’s of vital importance,” Moore said.

“I don’t think he’s a captain but he’s an alpha-male.
“His leadership quality is never going to be at the corporate function in a suit and tie.

“He’s the leader on the field and one the young guys need to look to, to contain the opposition alpha-male.

“The other players need him to do his job, and that’s being the intimidator.

“You think about the great Brisbane teams when they’ve won premierships, they’ve had the intimidators like Gavin Allen, Trevor Gillmeister, and Gorden Tallis.”

Corey Parker:

“He’s a tough bastard,” Parker said.

“He’s a play one carry, cop and that first play is always the toughest.

“Last year, he was spoken about for Origin but then due to his injuries, we’re talking like he can’t make the 17.”

EVERYONE BENEFITS FROM A FIT LODGE

Billy Moore:

“It’s in everyone’s best interest that the best of Matt Lodge comes to the fore in 2021,” Moore said.

“It would give Brisbane a chance to see their investment in Lodge return, and also the opportunity to move him on because if he’s playing well, more clubs will be interested.

“No one will want him if he’s playing busted.”

CAN HE KEEP UP WITH THE GAME?

Billy Moore:

“I hope he gets fit over the pre-season because the six-again rule has taken a bit away from the Lodge-type player,” Moore said.

“A full off-season of training, knowing that rule exists, you’ll work out in the first six months of 2021, whether the Lodges are going to become redundant.

“If the game continues to quicken up around the ruck, which I hope it doesn’t, it’ll make those players obsolete.

“Because they dropped the rule in, in the middle of the season, there wasn’t enough time to see what the butterfly effect would be.”

Corey Parker:

“People are saying the game is too quick for Lodge – what a load of rubbish,” Parker said.

“The injuries he was carrying, limited his ability in that area.

“When you’re under the pump and the momentum is against you, no matter who you are it is difficult.

“There is still a part in the game for the big prop.

“What Matt Lodge can do from a ball-carrying perspective is equal to anyone else in the game and he just needs to get his body right.”

ISSUES OFF THE FOOTY FIELD

Billy Moore:

“The negative is the New York incident which is the elephant in the room,” Moore said, referring to his arrest in 2015 following a wild rampage.

“But I’m all about loyalty and Matt Lodge owes Brisbane a fairly big favour.

“When you look at the opportunity Brisbane gave him and the chance he had, he’s been below best in the past year or so because of injuries.

“He has something to repay there.”

Corey Parker:

“The first thing is that Lodge needs to have the backing of the coach,” Parker said.

“If you’re an individual turning up to work every day and you have the feeling in the pit of your stomach that your coach doesn’t want you, then it’s hard.

“From the outside looking in, it appears that way.”

THE VERDICT

Billy Moore:

“The only real option is to stay in Brisbane and it’s not a bad option to have because he’s got a deal that would go for another few years,” Moore said.

“The most important thing for Lodge is to get his body right, that’s been his big issue.

“Injuries have obviously curtailed his ability to play on the field.

“He’s been playing busted but I still think Lodge is important for the Broncos.”

Corey Parker:

“I just go back to what he is and what he can bring and judge him having worked alongside him,” Parker said.

“What he simply needs to do is get his body right.

“If I’m going out to play a game of footy, I want to be going out to play alongside a guy like Matt Lodge.”

 

[007]

Taking lodge out of the pack makes me nervous, we should keep him and get him fit and give him some time. Glenn isnt the big boy hit em up player, Haas was exhausted this year. I think hes essential for an "old head" to be in there. That would gives us some much needed leaders and take the pressure off the younger guys - and its hard to argue against having these guys around considering the shit fight of the past few years:

Teo
Lodge
Glenn
Carrigan
Asiata
Macca.

 

[holdzy]

Corey hinting at Kev not wanting Lodge. I think Lodge owes us a big season and he knows that, Kev should be looking for motivation anywhere he can get it.

 

[TariqT]

I think one player that is worth considering in the starting side is Richie Kennar. When he managed to get on the field at the end of last year he was quite impressive.
I know people associate him with being one of Pies boys, but he was making good yards, positioning himself well, and was safe under the high ball. He deserves consideration and if it were me I'd give him one of the centre positions. He's not slow, and could handle a hit, and deliver one as well.
Until Kotoni gets back at least, he should be in the starting team in my opinion.
I had no idea who Asiata was until we signed him and after spending some time watching his performances I'm quite impressed. Kinda reminds me a little of Wade Graham. Can play 5/8 if need be, but greatly suited in our pack to lock.
I'm looking forward to seeing this revamped team play.

 

[Morepudding]

I think one player that is worth considering in the starting side is Richie Kennar. When he managed to get on the field at the end of last year he was quite impressive.
I know people associate him with being one of Pies boys, but he was making good yards, positioning himself well, and was safe under the high ball. He deserves consideration and if it were me I'd give him one of the centre positions. He's not slow, and could handle a hit, and deliver one as well.
Until Kotoni gets back at least, he should be in the starting team in my opinion.
I had no idea who Asiata was until we signed him and after spending some time watching his performances I'm quite impressed. Kinda reminds me a little of Wade Graham. Can play 5/8 if need be, but greatly suited in our pack to lock.
I'm looking forward to seeing this revamped team play.

Yeah he actually wasn't too bad. I mean, he's not amazing but he was more consistent than some of the others.

 

[theshed]

one of the BHQ stats wizards like @Big Pete might be able to help me out but I’m curious what our line up would look like if preference in every position was given to players based on games played. At a guess some of the team would look like:

1.
2. Oates
3. Copley
4.
5. Mead
6. Milford
7. (Croft?)
8.Lodge
9. Macca
10. TPJ
11. Glenn
12. Teo
13.Asiata

14.
15.
16.
17.

 

[Foordy]

one of the BHQ stats wizards like @Big Pete might be able to help me out but I’m curious what our line up would look like if preference in every position was given to players based on games played. At a guess some of the team would look like:

1.
2. Oates
3. Copley
4.
5. Mead
6. Milford
7. (Croft?)
8. Lodge
9. Macca
10. Haas
11. Glenn
12. Teo
13. TPJ

14.
15.
16.
17.

the red are my additions

 

[theshed]

the red are my additions

Actually Asiata has played more games than all 3.

8. TPJ
10. Lodge
13. Asiata

Crazy that none of our props have cracked 100 games.

 

[Foordy]

Actually Asiata has played more games than all 3.

8. TPJ
10. Lodge
13. Asiata

Crazy that none of our props have cracked 100 games.

good call ... forgot about him

Albert Kelly, if we sign him, would take the 7 i believe

 

[Big Pete]

one of the BHQ stats wizards like @Big Pete might be able to help me out but I’m curious what our line up would look like if preference in every position was given to players based on games played. At a guess some of the team would look like:

1.
2. Oates
3. Copley
4.
5. Mead
6. Milford
7. (Croft?)
8.Lodge
9. Macca
10. TPJ
11. Glenn
12. Teo
13.Asiata

14.
15.
16.
17.

Team based on games in each position.

1. Fanitesi Niu (4)
2. Corey Oates (121)
3. Dale Copley (80)
4. Herbie Farnworth (12)
5. Jamayne Isaako (47)
6. Anthony Milford (131)
7. Brodie Croft (47)
8. Matt Lodge (49)
9. Andrew McCullough (252)
10. Payne Haas (37)
11. Alex Glenn (189)
12. Tevita Pangai Jr (24)
13. Patrick Carrigan (21)

David Mead hasn't signed with the club yet, but would be there ahead of Isaako otherwise. (120 games on the wing)

Kennar - 26 Wing Appearances
Asiata - 16 Front Row Appearances
Dearden - 15 Halfback Appearances
Coates - 12 Wing Appearances
Turpin - 11 Hooker Appearances
Arthars - 9 Wing Appearances
Flegler - 9 Front Row Appearances
Kennedy - 4 Front Row Appearances
Paix - 4 Hooker Appearances
Gamble - 2 Five Eighth Appearances
Bullemor - 1 Second Row Appearance
Riki - 1 Second Row Appearance

If it's total career performances, then Asiata would come into the starting side with 126 appearances - it's just that 90 of them were from the bench.

Rugby League Project is a godsend for some of these brain storms.

 

[PNG Broncos fan88]

...
Rugby League Project is a godsend for some of these brain storms.

Wiki has our top 30, with development and train & trial listing. (apparently Mead is already in the top 30).

FWIW, table with ages and total NRL appearances only.

Edit: Please don't shoot me down for accuracy, just cross referenced what was on Wiki and Rugby League Project currently.
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane_Broncos
* https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2020/brisbane/summary.html

 

[Cult]

Mead got out of quarantine five days ago and is currently on the Gold Coast. If he was signed already he would be training with us

 

[theshed]

Mead got out of quarantine five days ago and is currently on the Gold Coast. If he was signed already he would be training with us

Didnt he just finish playing? I wonder if the NRL rules on minimum weeks break during the off season also applies to players coming over from the super league?

 

[Sproj]

Wow, Milf is the third most experienced player!

 

[Foordy]

Wiki has our top 30, with development and train & trial listing. (apparently Mead is already in the top 30).

FWIW, table with ages and total NRL appearances only.
View attachment 10906

Edit: Please don't shoot me down for accuracy, just cross referenced what was on Wiki and Rugby League Project currently.
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brisbane_Broncos
* https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2020/brisbane/summary.html

you're better off going with either broncos.com.au or nrl.com for your sources. wiki is a page anyone can edit.