Q-CUP 2025 Queensland Cup Discussion

[Peter Day]

I agree that Black isn’t the same type of player as Galvin, and that’s precisely the point.

1. Galvin’s natural game leans more towards five-eight or even lock, where his unstructured, instinctive style can thrive. He’s not a traditional halfback, and expecting Black to mirror that style misunderstands the role entirely.
2. What the Broncos need from their No. 7 is control and composure, someone who can create time and space for dynamic players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam. That’s exactly what Black is doing. You can already see it in how he’s combining with Milford and Siegwalt. Black’s job isn’t to be flashy, it’s to engage the line, manipulate the defence, creating numbers out the back of shape, giving Milford multiple 3-on-2 opportunities throughout the game. On top of that, Black had five direct try involvements through plays he set up.

Milford thrives in chaos. If Black tried to play off the cuff in the same way, it would only dilute the team's structure and effectiveness. Different styles, different roles, and when you understand that, you see just how valuable Black really is.

@1910

 

[BroncsFan]

I agree that Black isn’t the same type of player as Galvin, and that’s precisely the point.

1. Galvin’s natural game leans more towards five-eight or even lock, where his unstructured, instinctive style can thrive. He’s not a traditional halfback, and expecting Black to mirror that style misunderstands the role entirely.
2. What the Broncos need from their No. 7 is control and composure, someone who can create time and space for dynamic players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam. That’s exactly what Black is doing. You can already see it in how he’s combining with Milford and Siegwalt. Black’s job isn’t to be flashy, it’s to engage the line, manipulate the defence, creating numbers out the back of shape, giving Milford multiple 3-on-2 opportunities throughout the game. On top of that, Black had five direct try involvements through plays he set up.

Milford thrives in chaos. If Black tried to play off the cuff in the same way, it would only dilute the team's structure and effectiveness. Different styles, different roles, and when you understand that, you see just how valuable Black really is.

@1910

Im not saying it's a good thing or a bad thing just saying that Black looks like he's playing a role, but not looking to try and take the game on.

I mentioned that he straightened up the attack and dug into the line, which is what you want from your 7 in backline moves. It was something that made Reynolds such a great half in the souths system, but easy to overlook... he did the work on the inside to give the outside guys space.

But that might be exactly what this team needs when you already have Walsh and Ezra... just someone that will get them the ball when needed, do the work on the inside to give them some space and then also be the kicker.

Was using Galvin as an example of a contrasting half... Sam Walker could be another example... where their game is entirely heads up play.

I'm not saying one type of half is better than the other, but I dont think you can have a team built on all the same type of player ie all heads up or all systems and structured... balance is needed.

I'm not sure a team can survive if all the spine players are heads up reactive players.

I would like to see Coby's running game develop though... maybe he has it and he just didn't show it today, but I think every half needs to be a running threat of some sort.

They need to give the defence something to think about and a half needs to be able to run if the opportunity is on.

 

[Peter Day]

Next Saturday the U20's Broncos v U20's Cowboys at Townsville 3pm.

Does anyone know if it will be live streamed or televised?

Do we have a teams list?

 

[Big Pete]

@Big Pete where do you stand on Black?

I am still where I was two years ago, is happy to stay on the right kick bombs out of right side and shovel it on. If he shows a little bit of initiative the game will be already finished like today when he chipped at the 79th minute.

I am not sure if it's a lack of vision or confidence to me it is worrying that your team racks up 50 and your half doesn't have three big try contributions. That's a reoccurring theme this year for Souths. He's not playing badly but he's just doing busy work.

I wrote the other day he should be playing Flegg.

He's only 19, so Souths understandably have him playing a simplified role. Whenever Souths are in good field position, his role is simply to get the ball to Milford or Siegwalt in key attacking positions. Failing that, kick high to Leota which isn't a terrible way to develop his fundamentals.

However, if he was playing Flegg, he'd be working in tandem with Bukowski and would have more ownership of the side.

Still, I actually thought he started the game well. He was heavily involved in that opening attacking set and wasn't afraid to change his role from first and second receiver when the time called. Sure, he was merely the link man but he was guiding his team well. Then the second try came off a good run where he won the ruck which allowed Milford to take off. If he can develop that aspect of his game, it'll go a long way.

I was happy with that final play. Glad he backed himself and did it at an appropriate time.

Just has to find a way to stay in the game. Needs to develop another string to his bow and work on his combination with his edge forward. Defence could also do with some work as well - if you're going to be the game manager you can't undo all your hard work with flimsy defence.

 

[Hypex]

I agree that Black isn’t the same type of player as Galvin, and that’s precisely the point.

1. Galvin’s natural game leans more towards five-eight or even lock, where his unstructured, instinctive style can thrive. He’s not a traditional halfback, and expecting Black to mirror that style misunderstands the role entirely.
2. What the Broncos need from their No. 7 is control and composure, someone who can create time and space for dynamic players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam. That’s exactly what Black is doing. You can already see it in how he’s combining with Milford and Siegwalt. Black’s job isn’t to be flashy, it’s to engage the line, manipulate the defence, creating numbers out the back of shape, giving Milford multiple 3-on-2 opportunities throughout the game. On top of that, Black had five direct try involvements through plays he set up.

Milford thrives in chaos. If Black tried to play off the cuff in the same way, it would only dilute the team's structure and effectiveness. Different styles, different roles, and when you understand that, you see just how valuable Black really is.

@1910

I feel the issue might be the critique of Coby 'not getting involved enough', is getting misunderstood as 'he's not doing anything'. Control and composure, engaging the line, creating shape, these are all great attributes for a halfback to have, but unfortunately are not that uncommon among halfbacks at his development stage. I could say all the same things about Madden and be just as right, yet we can all agree Madden is not our future.

Where the critique spawns from is what if your dynamic players are not executing the plays, what if the other sides defence is holding strong? The great halfbacks respond by turning to creativity, directly getting involved creating something out of nothing.

It's this creativity I want to see more out of Coby, because right now he seems content in playing his role and nothing more.

 

[1910]

I agree that Black isn’t the same type of player as Galvin, and that’s precisely the point.

1. Galvin’s natural game leans more towards five-eight or even lock, where his unstructured, instinctive style can thrive. He’s not a traditional halfback, and expecting Black to mirror that style misunderstands the role entirely.
2. What the Broncos need from their No. 7 is control and composure, someone who can create time and space for dynamic players like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam. That’s exactly what Black is doing. You can already see it in how he’s combining with Milford and Siegwalt. Black’s job isn’t to be flashy, it’s to engage the line, manipulate the defence, creating numbers out the back of shape, giving Milford multiple 3-on-2 opportunities throughout the game. On top of that, Black had five direct try involvements through plays he set up.

Milford thrives in chaos. If Black tried to play off the cuff in the same way, it would only dilute the team's structure and effectiveness. Different styles, different roles, and when you understand that, you see just how valuable Black really is.

@1910

He doesn't need to go hog wild Souths already have that in about six players but he does need to show some half play.

Where is the combination with Coburn who is one of the best hole runners in Cup? Short ball for him on the left.

Where is he the short side run creating a 3 on 2 after you've told Mozer to give you the ball following a Te Kura quick play the ball?

Inside ball up the middle for Latrell?

Pride has one of the best offloads and passes, Black could threaten on the back of that.

It's great to fit in with Milford and that's part of his role but it's not the whole role and that point would only be true if he's just doing it at Souths. I said the same thing at City v Country, Origin, ALF and Bears too. He's not on your screen enough.

In 2023 Meninga season he was kicking for Innes from scrums using Innes' speed and using the players around him. I don't see that much anymore or at all.

 

[1910]

Im not saying it's a good thing or a bad thing just saying that Black looks like he's playing a role, but not looking to try and take the game on.

I mentioned that he straightened up the attack and dug into the line, which is what you want from your 7 in backline moves. It was something that made Reynolds such a great half in the souths system, but easy to overlook... he did the work on the inside to give the outside guys space.

But that might be exactly what this team needs when you already have Walsh and Ezra... just someone that will get them the ball when needed, do the work on the inside to give them some space and then also be the kicker.

Was using Galvin as an example of a contrasting half... Sam Walker could be another example... where their game is entirely heads up play.

I'm not saying one type of half is better than the other, but I dont think you can have a team built on all the same type of player ie all heads up or all systems and structured... balance is needed.

I'm not sure a team can survive if all the spine players are heads up reactive players.

I would like to see Coby's running game develop though... maybe he has it and he just didn't show it today, but I think every half needs to be a running threat of some sort.

They need to give the defence something to think about and a half needs to be able to run if the opportunity is on.

I think you're right, at the moment I think when I watch Black is the other team wouldn't have to spend a second planning against him.

You'd say he will stay on the right and bomb from there, just let him. He kicks so far before the line that you can't even put pressure on him.

 

[1910]

I wrote the other day he should be playing Flegg.

He's only 19, so Souths understandably have him playing a simplified role. Whenever Souths are in good field position, his role is simply to get the ball to Milford or Siegwalt in key attacking positions. Failing that, kick high to Leota which isn't a terrible way to develop his fundamentals.

However, if he was playing Flegg, he'd be working in tandem with Bukowski and would have more ownership of the side.

Still, I actually thought he started the game well. He was heavily involved in that opening attacking set and wasn't afraid to change his role from first and second receiver when the time called. Sure, he was merely the link man but he was guiding his team well. Then the second try came off a good run where he won the ruck which allowed Milford to take off. If he can develop that aspect of his game, it'll go a long way.

I was happy with that final play. Glad he backed himself and did it at an appropriate time.

Just has to find a way to stay in the game. Needs to develop another string to his bow and work on his combination with his edge forward. Defence could also do with some work as well - if you're going to be the game manager you can't undo all your hard work with flimsy defence.

I agree, my two favourite Black plays are his kick for Innes in the 2023 Meninga finals and his own try not long after that and his kick for Leota on Cup debut.

Those type of plays just seems to have completely dried up, even against Toowoomba and they're winning by 50 he just chugs along until that chip.

Maybe that chip will unlock him a bit. He looked happy with it. Might be a good reminder.

It's not about random attack it's just about him combining with what he has and taking chances for himself when they come up.

 

[Broncx252]

Mozer has to be in the squad he’s the difference in that south team honestly give him time he will top 5 hooker in the nrl

 

[Sproj]

I agree, my two favourite Black plays are his kick for Innes in the 2023 Meninga finals and his own try not long after that and his kick for Leota on Cup debut.

Those type of plays just seems to have completely dried up, even against Toowoomba and they're winning by 50 he just chugs along until that chip.

Maybe that chip will unlock him a bit. He looked happy with it. Might be a good reminder.

It's not about random attack it's just about him combining with what he has and taking chances for himself when they come up.

Is it likely he is being told to play this way? Basically, its Milf's team, you just focus on the basics for now and we will work on your bag of tricks as the season progresses?

I don't know anywhere near as much about Q Cup as you do obviously but I imagine if you have a young guy with a big boot who is willing to strip it back and simply focus on game management even when more is in the kit bag, that seems like good signs to me? Controlling halfbacks are few and far between.

 

[1910]

Is it likely he is being told to play this way? Basically, its Milf's team, you just focus on the basics for now and we will work on your bag of tricks as the season progresses?

I don't know anywhere near as much about Q Cup as you do obviously but I imagine if you have a young guy with a big boot who is willing to strip it back and simply focus on game management even when more is in the kit bag, that seems like good signs to me? Controlling halfbacks are few and far between.

It's been not worrying but noticeable over the last two years, it's not just the last 10 games in Cup- I said it in the Meninga finals in 23, Meninga 24, City 23, Origin 24, and now Cup 24/25.

Just trucking along doesn't win finals and he's come up short two years in Meninga and City and Origin.

City and Origin Black's team lost 13-12 and 14-10. A half should be able to engineer 14 and 15 points.

Then in 24 Meninga finals Harrison destroyed him.

I am not bagging him or saying he's doomed but I have noticed a trend. If he was a batsman, he is batting for 80 minutes working hard but making 3 runs. When you're out you just made three, it doesn't matter you batted for 80 minutes.

I don't know why he isn't goal kicking too, that was a way to stay involved. Eggerling is kicking for Souths- why would a bench hooker be goal kicking over your half?

 

[BroncsFan]

It's been not worrying but noticeable over the last two years, it's not just the last 10 games in Cup- I said it in the Meninga finals in 23, Meninga 24, City 23, Origin 24, and now Cup 24/25.

Just trucking along doesn't win finals and he's come up short two years in Meninga and City and Origin.

City and Origin Black's team lost 13-12 and 14-10. A half should be able to engineer 14 and 15 points.

Then in 24 Meninga finals Harrison destroyed him.

I am not bagging him or saying he's doomed but I have noticed a trend. If he was a batsman, he is batting for 80 minutes working hard but making 3 runs. When you're out you just made three, it doesn't matter you batted for 80 minutes.

I don't know why he isn't goal kicking too, that was a way to stay involved. Eggerling is kicking for Souths- why would a bench hooker be goal kicking over your half?

I 100% think he should be goal kicking... put a bit of extra responsibility on him for the team.

Unless the plan is that he'll be doing a 3yr apprenticeship in Qcup.

This year teething him in focus on kicking defence and getting the team around the park.

Year 2 more ownership in the team and opportunity to branch out in attack, take the goal kicking

Year 3 team is his to own fully

Maybe Year 2 will start happening at the backend of this year??

And then year 3 starts happening for the majority or backend of next year

 

[Berry Barrigan]

I would like to see Coby's running game develop though... maybe he has it and he just didn't show it today, but I think every half needs to be a running threat of some sort.

Watching yesterday I did wonder if that's just Karmichael's game plan - Coby kicks, Milf runs. Fine for the Magpies I guess, but it leaves a lot of questions unanswered for Broncos fans

 

[Sproj]

Watching the replay:
Te Kura - he looks frustrated and I reckon he'll explode if given a chance in the firsts. Just pick him already, he drags in multiple defenders and even defensively, he didn't miss any assignments. He does look like he is ambling in defense at times but I think it might be a little misleading because being so tall, he still covers ground pretty quickly. PLAY HIM ALREADY!

Mozer - Was once again a level above out there, pick him already. Way better than Paix and at least as good as Walters but with way more upside obviously. I love the way he plays eyes up footy and is a triple threat with running, passing and kicking. PLAY HIM ALREADY!

Semu - I was really impressed. He looks pretty mobile for a middle, I think he could probably cover second row if needed too. I would still give him ore time in Cup but I would be keen to see him get a shot later in the season. The only reason give him a shot now is simply because it might be tough to have two essentially rookie middle coming in to the team at the same time with Te Kura coming in as well. He looks better than stinking Baker already though and I could see him becoming either a good work horse prop or a high work rate lock.

Black - I can see the concerns with him and I get it, I really do. My hope is that he is being told to keep it 'boring'. Defensively, he tries his butt off and certainly doesn't shirk his load but in this aspect, he definitely doesn't look ready yet. He gets in the way but doesn't necessarily stop the attacking player. In terms of attack, I see so much Reynolds' influence on him already in his short passing game, which is good. And the key for any young halfback is there - he has a big boot on him and is pretty accurate. I think with Walsh and Mam having the keys to the side moving forward, Black's strengths will really compliment them, you don't want a 7 who will over play his hand, you need one to provide control to Walsh and Mam's chaos and I think Black will do that. He isn't ready yet though that's for sure.

Leota - I get the sense with this guy, he's either going to become really good suddenly or get no better than he currently is. I don't think there is going to be anything in between. He makes metres when he is called on but he never goes looking for work. He seems to have gotten a bit smarter with his positioning which is good and is pretty good under the high ball but like all backs at the Broncos, has feet for hands at times. There is so much raw potential there but he seems lazy. I would love to see him go in field sometimes and look to take a strong carry before giving him a shot. We need a big metre earing back who can be an aerial threat and honestly, it could be Leota but he needs to get hungrier.

Siegwaldt - Not Latrell Latrell was pretty rocks and diamonds and that seems to sum him up to be honest. He will be a career solid second grader who might always threaten to make first grade but always have someone else push ahead of him and there is no shame in that.

Petterson-Robati - Not Broncos contracted but just wanted to acknowledge he has finally managed to graduate from being a permanent 18th man.

 

[BroncsFan]

Mozer - Was once again a level above out there, pick him already. Way better than Paix and at least as good as Walters but with way more upside obviously. I love the way he plays eyes up footy and is a triple threat with running, passing and kicking. PLAY HIM ALREADY!

Yeah I think it's time for Mozer to come in... his shoulder will either go or it won't, but in attack and around the ruck he's better than all the other hookers we have. Pair him up with Billy and hope the shoulder holds up.

When he came on the field it looked like it was his team at that point. HE was leading the linespeed in defence and was good at choosing when to call his own number or feed it along the backline... everything just looked smooth whilst he was out there.

He looked like a leader when he was on the field.

 

[BroncsFan]

Leota - I get the sense with this guy, he's either going to become really good suddenly or get no better than he currently is. I don't think there is going to be anything in between. He makes metres when he is called on but he never goes looking for work. He seems to have gotten a bit smarter with his positioning which is good and is pretty good under the high ball but like all backs at the Broncos, has feet for hands at times. There is so much raw potential there but he seems lazy. I would love to see him go in field sometimes and look to take a strong carry before giving him a shot. We need a big metre earing back who can be an aerial threat and honestly, it could be Leota but he needs to get hungrier.

I didn't really notice any serious physicality with him yesterday...the bloke is over 190cm and well over 100kg.

He should be absolutely trucking blokes in yardage sets and fullbacks should be scared shitless heading towards his wing.

In the end I didn't really notice him all that much.

Maybe he's still learning the game and it would seem that he had a major growth spurt between this year and last year or so, so maybe he doesn't realise how bloody big he is in a footy sense.

8 runs for 82m on the website... and two of those runs were presumably his 10m untouched for easy putdowns. Also only 9 post contact meters... that seems insanely low for a guy his size.

I would want to see double those hitups and run meters from a guy his size and a ton of post contact and broken tackles

 

[Sproj]

I didn't really notice any serious physicality with him yesterday...the bloke is over 190cm and well over 100kg.

He should be absolutely trucking blokes in yardage sets and fullbacks should be scared shitless heading towards his wing.

In the end I didn't really notice him all that much.

Maybe he's still learning the game and it would seem that he had a major growth spurt between this year and last year or so, so maybe he doesn't realise how bloody big he is in a footy sense.

8 runs for 82m on the website... and two of those runs were presumably his 10m untouched for easy putdowns. Also only 9 post contact meters... that seems insanely low for a guy his size.

I would want to see double those hitups and run meters from a guy his size and a ton of post contact and broken tackles

Agreed. He just seems to fade in and out of games. He seems happy to just stay out on his wing and just doesn't seem to care whether the ball comes to him or not. As you say, the 8 runs for 82m isn't enough, it really highlights a seeming laziness there. That said, it shows he is making 10m a run and that is definitely something to be positive about. The problem is though, one thing we absolutely don't need in the backline is another bloke who can pull off a highlight reel play but also go missing for ages because he's lazy and have multiple errors in him.

Niu has been impressing in ESL, maybe see if he wants to come back and be back depth because he certainly doesn't shirk the tough carry.

 

[BroncsFan]

Agreed. He just seems to fade in and out of games. He seems happy to just stay out on his wing and just doesn't seem to care whether the ball comes to him or not. As you say, the 8 runs for 82m isn't enough, it really highlights a seeming laziness there. That said, it shows he is making 10m a run and that is definitely something to be positive about. The problem is though, one thing we absolutely don't need in the backline is another bloke who can pull off a highlight reel play but also go missing for ages because he's lazy and have multiple errors in him.

Niu has been impressing in ESL, maybe see if he wants to come back and be back depth because he certainly doesn't shirk the tough carry.

I don't think I would trust bringing Tesi back... nothing to do with his workrate, but more so to do with ability.

I think dolphins would've kept him if they were seeing the value there.

He has the makings to be a Taruva style workhorse winger so maybe he will reinvent himself in that role over in the ESL... possibly one to keep an eye on, but he can likely forge on and have a pretty successful career over in the ESL as well