POST GAME [Round 14, 2026] - Broncos vs Titans

[Big Pete]

I still dont think we just produce solid, reliable workhorse players. Maybe its just me, but i feel we are always looking for the superstar rather than the solid option.

The issue is those players don't emerge until they're 21-22. The Broncos aren't in a position to be that patient so they take a few big long shots in guys like Francis and Verhoeven and hope they can score some Taltys through reserve grade.

The issue lately is that for one reason or another they're striking out on those prospects. Guys like Mozer and Te Kura who ought to be NRL mainstays by now just haven't panned out.

 

[Matheos]

With Pezet sitting in reserve grade... at what point do you rip the bandaid and try to bring him in now?

Call the season done and drop Reyno, Mam and Hunt.

Pezet, Duffy and Mozer rest of the year

 

[theshed]

I thought our effort was up a lot on last week. We lost last week because we had no commitment. Last night we lost due to bad lack and execution at times.

Other than that last terrible play Mam looked more motivated than at any other point this season. He was running hard.

You are going to have a game or two like this a year where you cop bad luck. It stings more when you've put in previous poor efforts and lost games you should have won.

Is Reece injured? He didn't like right last night?

We are primarily where we are due to forward depth. We haven't had the players to replace Jensen, Carrigan, haas, Riki and piakura at different points. Teams have run through us.

Also losing Billy Walters has been massive.

I’m usually appreciative of a more nuanced response but losing to the titans should never come down to luck.

They’re coming second last.

 

[Big Pete]

Also, @Big Pete how about the head to head, you think this is fair?

Panthers
1. Isaiah Iongi (Panthers)
2. Xavier Coates (Broncos)
3. Herbie Farnworth (Broncos)
4. Stephen Crichton (Panthers)
5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Panthers)
6. Tom Dearden (Broncos)
7. Isaiya Katoa (Panthers)
8. Payne Haas (Broncos)
9. Api Koroisau (Panthers)
10. James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
11. Viliame Kikau (Panthers)
12. Kurt Capewell (Panthers)
13. Kobe Hetherington (Broncos)

14. Wayde Egan (Panthers)
15. Tom Flegler (Broncos)
16. Lindsay Collins (Broncos)
17. David Fifita (Broncos)
18. Max Plath (Broncos)
19. Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos)

10-9 Broncos but maybe I'm being biased.

As you highlighted too though, Penrith have replaced their outs with the likes of Smith, Kenny, McLean, Papalii, Alamoti. We've replaced our outs with...not much.

Obviously the Broncos aren't producing at the volume of the Panthers but I think they deserve more credit than what you're giving them.

 

[BroncsFan]

I don't think Plath trialled. He was on a training contract and vying for a spot in the halves. I think he may have suffered an injury and slowly made his way back onto the field as a bench utility.

In a losing effort against the Dolphins, Plath was sublime at lock and the Dolphins didn't hesitate signing him.

Maybe the Broncos should have seen something during the training contract but by that point it was always going to be difficult. The Dolphins offer was always going to be more lucrative.

Plath always had something about him dating back to Colts.

Maybe it was when he debuted for Wynnum in Cup then?

I think he came through as a 6, but to me he immediately looked like the modern ball playing lock when I saw him in Cup.

 

[Big Del]

What’s going on with Blake Mozer?

Dunno but after B Hunt letting a winger run through the middle of the ruck .
Maybe he couldn`t do worse ?

 

[BroncsFan]

The issue is those players don't emerge until they're 21-22. The Broncos aren't in a position to be that patient so they take a few big long shots in guys like Francis and Verhoeven and hope they can score some Taltys through reserve grade.

The issue lately is that for one reason or another they're striking out on those prospects. Guys like Mozer and Te Kura who ought to be NRL mainstays by now just haven't panned out.

I think this is where the NSWRL clubs have an advantage don't they?

Broncos have to keep guys on Top 30 deals and make decisions even if they're not ready... whereas panthers, parra, dogs, etc. can keep fringe guys in their reserve grade side, but able to keep an eye on them and they can still get access to their facilities, coaches, etc.

I think Jett Bryce is on a T&T this year, but effectively he's no longer contracted to broncos. He's now showing that he is developing in Burleigh and I'd imagine broncos would like to keep watching him grow without having to commit to a Top 30 deal just yet... I'd imagine they would also love to have him in their gym and with their S&C teams, etc.... but he's out in the wilderness and could be picked up at any point if someone wants to take a chance.

We have other guys in Beni Allen, Waqa, etc. who might end up developing later on, but a decision will have to be made soon on whether to keep them on first grade deals or send them out into the wilderness and hope they keep developing outside an NRL system.

 

[Sproj]

Obviously the Broncos aren't producing at the volume of the Panthers but I think they deserve more credit than what you're giving them.

You mean Brisbane deserves more credit? Maybe but we lose our kids regularly, our depth and our stars. Doesn't leave much else.

If you look at our direct competitor - Redcliffe - they have kids coming through, a strong squad and stars. Now yeah, they already had a junior pipeline but have also picked the bones out of us AND snap up the kids. They seem way more proactive than we do as well. I just feel like we need to be more advanced. Don't let the guys you want to keep come out of contract.

As things stand, we only extended Poates for one year, right until PNG comes in, so what does that imply? Why can't we develop more than two second rowers in the past what, 5 years since we lost Fifita and Su'A? Why is our only middle prospect currently Francis?

Now sure, Francis looks like an absolute gun but so did Te Kura and Mozer and look at them. What is happening at that junior level that is stopping us developing in bulk like other sides are doing? Is it simply that our kids are more reported on than other clubs and this brings other clubs sniffing? If so, what are we doing about that?

Maybe our R&R team is doing a better job than I give them credit for, I'm only forming my opinion on what I can see from a distance. Because yes, we have developed some of the biggest guns in the comp...most of whom are playing elsewhere now and that includes Walsh who left and came back. Even Mariner wanted out.

 

[Foordy]

With Pezet sitting in reserve grade... at what point do you rip the bandaid and try to bring him in now?

Call the season done and drop Reyno, Mam and Hunt.

Pezet, Duffy and Mozer rest of the year

Pezet isn't sitting in reserve grade. he's injured out until at least round 18

 

[KateBroncos1812]

Shithouse. Losing to the dargons and titans in consecutive weeks is not acceptable..

I agree with you there

 

[Big Pete]

I think this is where the NSWRL clubs have an advantage don't they?

Broncos have to keep guys on Top 30 deals and make decisions even if they're not ready... whereas panthers, parra, dogs, etc. can keep fringe guys in their reserve grade side, but able to keep an eye on them and they can still get access to their facilities, coaches, etc.

I think Jett Bryce is on a T&T this year, but effectively he's no longer contracted to broncos. He's now showing that he is developing in Burleigh and I'd imagine broncos would like to keep watching him grow without having to commit to a Top 30 deal just yet... I'd imagine they would also love to have him in their gym and with their S&C teams, etc.... but he's out in the wilderness and could be picked up at any point if someone wants to take a chance.

We have other guys in Beni Allen, Waqa, etc. who might end up developing later on, but a decision will have to be made soon on whether to keep them on first grade deals or send them out into the wilderness and hope they keep developing outside an NRL system.

That's where Wolfie has a point. Allen, Waqa, J. Shibasaki etc. are what I'd consider loose forwards. These are the types you want hitting holes and making an impact off the bench. There's not that many tight forwards just doing the tough stuff.

We had one of those players in Koina and the Eels offered him an NRL contract. RIP.

 

[maximus84]

I think this is where the NSWRL clubs have an advantage don't they?

Broncos have to keep guys on Top 30 deals and make decisions even if they're not ready... whereas panthers, parra, dogs, etc. can keep fringe guys in their reserve grade side, but able to keep an eye on them and they can still get access to their facilities, coaches, etc.

I think Jett Bryce is on a T&T this year, but effectively he's no longer contracted to broncos. He's now showing that he is developing in Burleigh and I'd imagine broncos would like to keep watching him grow without having to commit to a Top 30 deal just yet... I'd imagine they would also love to have him in their gym and with their S&C teams, etc.... but he's out in the wilderness and could be picked up at any point if someone wants to take a chance.

We have other guys in Beni Allen, Waqa, etc. who might end up developing later on, but a decision will have to be made soon on whether to keep them on first grade deals or send them out into the wilderness and hope they keep developing outside an NRL system.

This is exactly it, even the Warriors have a side in NSW cup they are basically around the top side all the time, basically semi pro but a good chunk of them the club would sort jobs or study or what ever, I think all the QLD really miss a trick by not having the "broncos qld " side, to play week in and week out in the style the top side wants to and more important when they do come in they are familiar with each other. Like Penrith beating the Warriors last week, resting 4 players but everyone that came in knew their exact job and did it.

 

[Big Del]

I was meaning more that a certain ‘discovery’ will be made and actions will be taken

How many people are keeping the secret ?

 

[Volvo Driver]

- Mam better this week until last play, but theres still no chance anyone around that ruck was onside.

Doesn't really matter if they were onside or not does it? The only outcome we needed with 38secs left was a try, not a penalty or sin bin.

Why did Duffy get pulled off btw (not the hia)? I never caught the reason during the game.

 

[BroncsFan]

That's where Wolfie has a point. Allen, Waqa, J. Shibasaki etc. are what I'd consider loose forwards. These are the types you want hitting holes and making an impact off the bench. There's not that many tight forwards just doing the tough stuff.

We had one of those players in Koina and the Eels offered him an NRL contract. RIP.

I guess the thought is always what can I teach them vs what can't I teach them... so if you see a guy that can be explosive and has the physical gifts, then they think he can be taught to do the 1%ers and you'll have a guy that can do it all.

 

[1910]

I don't think Plath trialled. He was on a training contract and vying for a spot in the halves. I think he may have suffered an injury and slowly made his way back onto the field as a bench utility.

In a losing effort against the Dolphins, Plath was sublime at lock and the Dolphins didn't hesitate signing him.

Maybe the Broncos should have seen something during the training contract but by that point it was always going to be difficult. The Dolphins offer was always going to be more lucrative.

Plath always had something about him dating back to Colts.

Kicked the winning field goal in the 21 Grand Final to sink the BH after coming back from an ACL. That stands out to me.

He's an interesting one; he had something going for him in Colts but was never getting over Mam or Reynolds. He was smart enough to embrace that and when Head suggest lock, he takes it on.

Credit to Head, I guess.

 

[Brocko]

Doesn't really matter if they were onside or not does it? The only outcome we needed with 38secs left was a try, not a penalty or sin bin.

Why did Duffy get pulled off btw (not the hia)? I never caught the reason during the game.

It matters in the sense we should have got one more crack off a penalty tap, likelihood of that leading to anything next to nothing, was just saying is all. Not excusing it was the wrong play.

No idea on the switch, was at the game. I assume he wanted Ezra's spark again once we were chasing points perhaps.

 

[Big Pete]

You mean Brisbane deserves more credit? Maybe but we lose our kids regularly, our depth and our stars. Doesn't leave much else.

If you look at our direct competitor - Redcliffe - they have kids coming through, a strong squad and stars. Now yeah, they already had a junior pipeline but have also picked the bones out of us AND snap up the kids. They seem way more proactive than we do as well. I just feel like we need to be more advanced. Don't let the guys you want to keep come out of contract.

As things stand, we only extended Poates for one year, right until PNG comes in, so what does that imply? Why can't we develop more than two second rowers in the past what, 5 years since we lost Fifita and Su'A? Why is our only middle prospect currently Francis?

Now sure, Francis looks like an absolute gun but so did Te Kura and Mozer and look at them. What is happening at that junior level that is stopping us developing in bulk like other sides are doing? Is it simply that our kids are more reported on than other clubs and this brings other clubs sniffing? If so, what are we doing about that?

Maybe our R&R team is doing a better job than I give them credit for, I'm only forming my opinion on what I can see from a distance. Because yes, we have developed some of the biggest guns in the comp...most of whom are playing elsewhere now and that includes Walsh who left and came back. Even Mariner wanted out.

Of course they deserve more credit. You're looking at the players who left, not the ones who were brought through and won a premiership.

Yes there are concerns in the future but things have yet to play out. You're upset about only re-signing Phillip Coates for a year yet the club locked up Antonio Verhoeven long term. For all we know, Brisbane keep both and they help form an amazing backline. Or maybe Coates leaves, Verhoeven ends up on the sidelines and it goes pear shape. We don't know but the club hasn't thrown in the towel either.

The Dolphins are doing fine but with more success comes more attention. They'll have a tough time keeping the side together and the game can turn quickly. Even Penrith looked hopeless this time last year before things clicked for them and now it's deja vu.