[2025 Trial] Broncos vs Bulldogs

[BroncsFan]

We have some winger replacements if we need to move Cobs or Arthars there. We will be ok.

I'd just prefer a next man up rather than shuffling starters around, but we're probably going to be stuck with what we've got

 

[NSW stables]

With regards to mariner and his defence, he may actually benefit returning to first grade earlier, whilst hunt is still at 6.

Defending between two experienced players in hunt and arthars, may teach him a thing or two, and how to read and respond to attacks.

Trying to learn next to mam would be an issue.

 

[Super Freak]

Kayo Stadium is a nice little stadium.

It's funny, after a trial at Redcliffe years back I made the comment on RLeague that Dolphin Oval would look good with grandstands there and the QRL purists absolutely ridiculed me shitting on the idea because it would be "stupid".

Funny how things change.

 

[KateBroncos1812]

Bulldogs fans are barking badly about us. Just checked their forum

Back to Back

 

[KateBroncos1812]

 

[Brocko]

For those that way inclined, the kennel is up to page 96 of a meltdown about that game.

In amongst the posts about the ref 'fucking them' (lol), there's alot of melt downs about their first stringers struggling against our 3rd string.

Good toilet reading.

 

[KateBroncos1812]

Good toilet reading.

It is. Hilarious seeing them blaming us for everything.

 

[Big Pete]

I thought it was a quality hit-out. The Bulldogs turned the screws early and tried to play up-tempo but the Broncos defence read it well and their last tackle plays left something to be desired. In the end it came down to who blinked first and when Tracey spilled that bomb it gave the Broncos the ascendency.

Based on what we've seen so far, the defence has improved across the board. They're making better decisions, they're getting off the line quicker, making better contact and while it's not at the standard of a Melbourne or a Penrith, it's looking closer to the 2023 version of the Broncos.

On the other hand, the attack appears to have taken a step back. It seems like they're playing very flat, very little shape and the quality of passing was pretty concerning. In the case of Carrigan and Hunt I'd put it down to early season rust, but then Paix threw some real dollies out of dummy half. He'll need to provide better service, especially if the Broncos are going to stick with a flat attacking shape.

I don't think anyone played themselves out of the team. I think we'll largely see the same starting side, it's just a question of how Madge plans on fitting Mariner into the team. I would not be shocked at all if we see Cobbo move to the left wing in place of Arthars and that's how Deine makes the team.

Back to back pre-season winners. I have to say the 2025 win was far more impressive than 2024. In fact, 2024 was one of the more disappointing pre-season campaigns the Broncos had under Kevie. They barely put-away a schoolboys Cowboys side and had to rely on micky mouse football to get the job done. The other game against Manly is how I'd picture a modern Panasonic Cup fixture. Just a random assortment of QCup players taking on a bunch of NSW Cup players. No combinations, nothing to take out of it beyond certain players playing themselves out of a train and trial call-up during the Origin period.

 

[Galah]

I feel like we didn’t actually build any pressure and most of our tries came from mistakes. It’s a trail I know, just an observation, I’m alluding to anything.

 

[Broncosarethebest]

Maguire trying to Emperor Palpatine?

I'm just going through thread now and thought the same thing at the time! uncanny resemblance!

 

[theshed]

A lot I didn’t like about that game.

Our second stringers all look hungry, which is good.

I felt our starting side looked sloppy, especially in attack.

Hetherington has impressed in his new role.

Has dumb errors in his game but big Marty has surely earned an early rounds bench spot. He has been so dominate these 2 trials.

Paix’s service was shocking at times. I was going to say Billy outplayed him but his contribution to that pathetic Preston try evens it up

 

[BroncosFever]

A lot I didn’t like about that game.

Our second stringers all look hungry, which is good.

I felt our starting side looked sloppy, especially in attack.

Hetherington has impressed in his new role.

Has dumb errors in his game but big Marty has surely earned an early rounds bench spot. He has been so dominate these 2 trials.

Paix’s service was shocking at times. I was going to say Billy outplayed him but his contribution to that pathetic Preston try evens it up

Sloppy, in attack?

Wasn’t this a trial?

Throw up the sack Madge thread, **** it.

 

[davidp]

Some insights from the game

Hunt and Reynolds definitely works can switch sides and strong kicking game

Piakura off the bench - high intensity- shorter minutes - better focus

Heatherington our hit man - reminds me of Axe

Defence is key - I think Gos and Shib will start year - tough on Mariner

Toss up with BTK, Jenson and Marty - if we need toiler- go with Jenson - I would go BTK as his engine has been great and him and Willison will keep roll on from starting forwards

Back up fullback - Cobbo and Arthur’s at the moment

Madge has instilled tough mindset - do the work first - seeing the fruits

Walsh to be huge this year as he “chimes in” - others to set up - he does not need to be main man

I also tip us as a destination club again - players will want to be part of this group

Enjoy your weekend

 

[Broncosarethebest]

Perham going down for the year is a real problem for us.... It's Cobbo or bust there now if Walsh is not around. If both go to Origin - yuck.

Arthurs?

 

[theshed]

Sloppy, in attack?

Wasn’t this a trial?

Throw up the sack Madge thread, **** it.

I just think it’ll take some time for the new spine to really click. Cobbo had a typical lazy PTB error, Patty had a loose offload in our own end to no one. Paix had poor service,

I’m not concerned, I just think it won’t come as easy as we might hope.

 

[heartly87]

I think there was rust out there due to some new combinations and players fitting new roles. But at the end of the day we came away with zero losses to roll into the year. You can't be anything but happy with that.

It's obvious that Madge wants a high degree of effort on both sides of the ball. He doesn't want us playing that style of blow a team away footy and coast. It got found out and we lost a GF and had a crap following year.

We have the talent, we need the grit. There are good signs boys like Marriner and Piakura are responding. Even if they miss a few early games I can see them returning and owning the spots much better than if they were not challenged. Robbo has done it with Walker more than once. It's the response of the player that matters, something Cronk if it wasn't us would be supporting.

 

[theshed]

Just saw Walsh’s post game interview where he had a cheeky shot at Flannigan’s comments about Hunt.

“He’s still got some bad habits in his game but we are working on them”

 

[Galah]

Just saw Walsh’s post game interview where he had a cheeky shot at Flannigan’s comments about Hunt.

“He’s still got some bad habits in his game but we are working on them”

Loved that!