NRL teams 2016: Brisbane Broncos list analysis
HOW do you bounce back from such devastation?
The Broncos felt the ultimate grand final heartbreak in the thrilling 17-16 loss to the Cowboys.
They couldn’t believe what happened as Kyle Feldt scored after the siren and Johnathan Thurston potted a historic golden point field goal.
It would have been a long eight weeks for the Broncos to mull over the opportunity they missed.
Just how Wayne Bennett’s troops rebound from that game could hold the key to their fortunes in 2016.
Bennett has retained the bulk of his squad which did so well in 2015.
Captain Justin Hodges has retired after a stellar career along with statesman David Stagg while grand final prop Mitchell Dodds has headed to Warrington.
The Broncos haven’t been active in the player market but they left a lot of last season’s recruitment until late with Adam Blair and Darius Boyd joining the squad during the pre-season.
Brisbane has lost some quality players in young playmakers Ashley Taylor (Titans) and Jayden Nikorima (Roosters) but they have a handy halves pairing in Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt who should improve further in 2016.
Ipswich Jets fullback Carlin Anderson is a real talent while forward Caleb Timu had huge raps before he embarked on a Mormon mission two years ago.
Young lock Jair Arrow is a star on the rise along with Keegan Hipgrave and Jayden Berrell.
Bennett will be comfortable with the squad he has. They were incredibly stoic in 2015 and will have learned plenty from the grand final loss.
STRENGTHS
The Broncos have an outstanding spine.
Boyd is a representative fullback, Andrew McCullough is incredibly consistent and young halves Hunt and Milford have endless talent.
Their combinations are only going to improve, especially as Boyd missed the first half of the season with an achilles injury.
The back-row of Corey Parker, Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn is one of the best in the NRL while Joe Ofahengaue had a great debut season.
WEAKNESSES
The jury is still out on Dale Copley as a centre.
Bennett has earmarked Copley as Hodges’ replacement but they are big shoes to try and fill. His career has been stalled by injuries and he needs a big pre-season to kick off 2016 in solid fashion.
A season-ending injury to Josh McGuire put a dent in their front row stocks and Dodds’ departure has left another hole.
Sam Thaiday and Blair had a great starting combination this year and McGuire’s return will be a big boost but they need another few props to show some improvement alongside Jarrod Wallace.
THE DILEMMA
Who will captain the Broncos next season?
Skippering the NRL’s glamour club is no easy job. Hodges did well for one season and Parker would be a great replacement given the maturity he’s shown in the twilight of his career.
Hunt, McCullough and Boyd are also contenders but are they ready for the role?
PREDICTED FINISH
Top 4
The Broncos weren’t supposed to do as well as they did in 2015. It was Bennett’s first year back in charge and there were some new faces in key positions.
But they’ve set a standard now and need to improve further to bring the club home its seventh title.
LIST CHANGES
Ins: Carlin Anderson (Ipswich), Caleb Timu (Mormon mission)
Outs: Justin Hodges (retired), Todd Lowrie (retired), Ashley Taylor (Gold Coast Titans), Mitch Garbutt (Leeds), Matt Parcell (Manly), Mitchell Dodds (Warrington), Jayden Nikorima (Roosters), David Stagg (retired), Jordan Drew (Cronulla), Daniel Vidot (Salford)
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