Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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BRISBANE hooker Andrew McCullough was asked how it felt to be the Broncos new skipper?
“Nah, I’m not,’’ he said, fronting a small media gathering after the team Captains Run in Sydney. “Or I won’t be.
“I’m just up for media today to let the Origin boys rest.”
Which was confusing, sure.
Especially given, moments earlier, assistant coach Steve Kearney had told the same mob how wonderful a job McCullough would do with that little ‘c’ now next to his name.
But what are Brisbane right now if not covered in questions?
Indeed, starting the year as NRL premiership favourites, the Broncos face South Sydney at ANZ Stadium tonight placed sixth — having lost five of their past six matches.
Worse, the team jetted into Sydney on Friday morning without a captain, coach or rising Kangaroo Matt Gillett.
Queensland Origin forward Josh McGuire also failing to complete a ballwork session at Mascot Oval, instead leaving the field early — a large ice pack then placed on his left leg.
While McGuire is expected to play, the loss of both Gillett (shoulder) and captain Corey Parker (suspension) is untimely for a side desperately looking to regain its mojo.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett also out of play yesterday, staying in Brisbane until last night to attend the funeral of a family member.
While Parker has travelled with the team, he will miss the Bunnies clash after pleading guilty to dangerous contact on NSW fullback James Tedesco late in Origin III.
Incredibly, it is the first time in 16 years and over 300 games that the Broncos skipper has been suspended for foul play.
Asked how big a loss the Kangaroo veteran was, McCullough continued: “Massive.
“He’s not only our captain, but gets out there every week and puts his hand up to take those tough runs when we’re coming out of the back end.
“That’s something we’re going to miss and somebody has to step up.
“Same with Gillo. He’s been outstanding for us and caused some havoc for teams. We’re going to miss his direction in attack.
“So that’s another thing we will have to overcome this weekend.”
Assistant coach Steve Kearney confirmed Gillett had not travelled with the team after injuring his shoulder in Wednesday night’s Origin dead rubber.
“He has pulled up pretty sore,’’ Kearney said. “But until we get the scans back we’re not sure (of the extent).
“Josh also pulled up a little bit tight.
“We had a pretty short session so it was light duties today. We want to make sure he’s right for tomorrow.
“You think Origin is over but we’ve lost the skipper for a week, too. But moving forward, the plan is to get back to where we were earlier in the year.”
And as for how Brisbane do that?
“I thought we took some positive steps against Melbourne,” Kearney continued. “I know the scoreline didn’t reflect that.
“But we had some performances prior to that game which weren’t up to Brisbane Broncos standard. But against the Storm we fought really hard.
“We lost a winger which didn’t help — they scored a number of tries off kicks.
“But my point is I think we took a number of positive steps there. And I know the guys are really determined to get back to the way we play.
“That standard we play with.”
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“Nah, I’m not,’’ he said, fronting a small media gathering after the team Captains Run in Sydney. “Or I won’t be.
“I’m just up for media today to let the Origin boys rest.”
Which was confusing, sure.
Especially given, moments earlier, assistant coach Steve Kearney had told the same mob how wonderful a job McCullough would do with that little ‘c’ now next to his name.
But what are Brisbane right now if not covered in questions?
Indeed, starting the year as NRL premiership favourites, the Broncos face South Sydney at ANZ Stadium tonight placed sixth — having lost five of their past six matches.
Worse, the team jetted into Sydney on Friday morning without a captain, coach or rising Kangaroo Matt Gillett.
Queensland Origin forward Josh McGuire also failing to complete a ballwork session at Mascot Oval, instead leaving the field early — a large ice pack then placed on his left leg.
While McGuire is expected to play, the loss of both Gillett (shoulder) and captain Corey Parker (suspension) is untimely for a side desperately looking to regain its mojo.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett also out of play yesterday, staying in Brisbane until last night to attend the funeral of a family member.
While Parker has travelled with the team, he will miss the Bunnies clash after pleading guilty to dangerous contact on NSW fullback James Tedesco late in Origin III.
Incredibly, it is the first time in 16 years and over 300 games that the Broncos skipper has been suspended for foul play.
Asked how big a loss the Kangaroo veteran was, McCullough continued: “Massive.
“He’s not only our captain, but gets out there every week and puts his hand up to take those tough runs when we’re coming out of the back end.
“That’s something we’re going to miss and somebody has to step up.
“Same with Gillo. He’s been outstanding for us and caused some havoc for teams. We’re going to miss his direction in attack.
“So that’s another thing we will have to overcome this weekend.”
Assistant coach Steve Kearney confirmed Gillett had not travelled with the team after injuring his shoulder in Wednesday night’s Origin dead rubber.
“He has pulled up pretty sore,’’ Kearney said. “But until we get the scans back we’re not sure (of the extent).
“Josh also pulled up a little bit tight.
“We had a pretty short session so it was light duties today. We want to make sure he’s right for tomorrow.
“You think Origin is over but we’ve lost the skipper for a week, too. But moving forward, the plan is to get back to where we were earlier in the year.”
And as for how Brisbane do that?
“I thought we took some positive steps against Melbourne,” Kearney continued. “I know the scoreline didn’t reflect that.
“But we had some performances prior to that game which weren’t up to Brisbane Broncos standard. But against the Storm we fought really hard.
“We lost a winger which didn’t help — they scored a number of tries off kicks.
“But my point is I think we took a number of positive steps there. And I know the guys are really determined to get back to the way we play.
“That standard we play with.”
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