2014 Broncos Season

[Big Pete]

We were one of the fitter teams in the competition in 2011 and most of 2012 - 2013 was an exception and a difficult one to pin-point because we'd actually hang in pretty well - we'd just start each half poorly.

 

[Alec]

We were one of the fitter teams in the competition in 2011 and most of 2012 - 2013 was an exception and a difficult one to pin-point because we'd actually hang in pretty well - we'd just start each half poorly.

There was a massive fade out in the final part of 2012. Though you're probably right. That was less to do with fitness, and more to do with us having no gameplan or any kind of skill other than bash and barge for the last 2 years, whereas normal teams gel together and get the little things right as the season goes on.

 

[Big Pete]

Blasted normal teams with their ability to field full strength line-ups and go through Origin fairly unharmed!

Didn't help either that when the Broncos new style attempted an alternative style it was against the best teams of the competition.

 

[Alec]

That new (or rather Bulldogs) style was a welcome change in the few games we've tried it. We should have stuck with it and tried to evolve more, but instead for the most part we never really had a creative gameplan when it came to the attack. Yeah, the Origin period didn't help, but we can't use that as an excuse and keep doing the same thing, while the other teams are modernising the game.

 

[Big Pete]

Well, they actually tried to follow that style last season but they couldn't develop it because the fundamentals just weren't there - and basically everyone can shoulder the blame for that.

However, my point was that the style did evolve as the season wore on, unfortunately the results didn't fall the Broncos way because they were up against the three best teams of the competition and they reverted because the Panthers game was too high stakes. They could have stuck with the style but I don't think the end result would have changed all too much.

You're right in saying that Origin can't always be an excuse and it certainly wasn't last season but that whole period clearly had a negative affect on the club in a season where we were already trying to rebuild following the retirement of the most decorated player of all-time. You can't win a premiership every year and you have to be realistic.

 

[Danoz Direct]

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin puts Broncos players on notice | News.com.au

 

[Morkel]

Just saw a couple of photos of Sebastien Martins.......wow looks to a freaking unit!

I'd say...

He's probably built more like a Union prop, so mobility may be non-existent. Interesting to see if anything comes of his affiliation with the Broncos.

 

[Cult]

Everyone did ask for bigger props at the Broncos.

 

[Morkel]

Everyone did ask for bigger props at the Broncos.

That dude looks like he ate a bigger prop.

 

[Sproj]

And then he ate the prop that are that prop.

 

[GCBRONCO]

Maybe his on a Sam Thaiday/Owen Craigie combined diet?

 

[Bucking Beads]

He seems like exactly the type of prop needed off the bench these days. A short sharp burst from him could produce some big runs if he is any good.

 

[Broncoman]

Hannant happy with beefy Broncos - NRL.com

I'm against stacking them team full of forwards we've already got enough quality forwards and stacking the team with more isn't going to improve our problems in the backs.

 

[Mr Fourex]

Hannant happy with beefy Broncos - NRL.com

I'm against stacking them team full of forwards we've already got enough quality forwards and stacking the team with more isn't going to improve our problems in the backs.

Quality forwards.....?

Last year we were monstered by other teams forwards......one game against the Bulldogs comes to mind when they were steam rolling over our try line with ease.

Bring on one or two big fellas I say.

 

[Alec]

Quality forwards.....?

Last year we were monstered by other teams forwards......one game against the Bulldogs comes to mind when they were steam rolling over our try line with ease.

Bring on one or two big fellas I say.

That was more to do with our overall horrific defence than the quality of the forwards. When you don't move up in defence (which we didn't), you might as well just go home early when playing against a quality pack.

 

[Big Pete]

Quality forwards.....?

Last year we were monstered by other teams forwards......one game against the Bulldogs comes to mind when they were steam rolling over our try line with ease.

Bring on one or two big fellas I say.

Aye, Roosters in Round 3 was another where we kept trying to go around them instead of through them and really we just played straight into their hands.

Regardless, another prop was a must.

 

[Morkel]

He seems like exactly the type of prop needed off the bench these days. A short sharp burst from him could produce some big runs if he is any good.

I agree that if Griffin insists on a couple of props to do one or two 10 minute stints, a monster is the way to go. As long as they don't become a target in defence laterally it'd be good to have someone swat away defenders. The Burgess twins are probably the closest in stature, and George can do decent minutes (albeit he is the smaller of the two), but that family are freaks.

 

[Big Pete]

Peter Psaltis just had Hook on his 4BC show.

I only tuned in part-way through so I'll have to wait for the full upload but it was all pretty standard. Pete asked good questions but Hook gave cliche answers.

Based on what I heard...

Pete asked about Strasser/Hoffman/Thaiday - Hook's been happy with their application at training and gave very vague reports on all three.

Then Pete asked about the make-up of the 17 - Hook's waiting until the trials are over but stressed there's plenty of competition for spots. They then spoke a bit about the Auckland 9s and how different they are compared to the All-Stars concept.