Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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THE Broncos have taken one final shot at the NRL’s scheduling around Origin this season, as they prepare for another away match just days after Game Three.
Brisbane, who have struggled with their form over the past two months, have had to play an away game after every Origin match this year, including this week’s showdown with the Rabbitohs in Sydney.
It is understood Broncos officials are filthy over how the scheduling has panned out, especially in comparison with fellow Origin ravaged top-six sides, the Cowboys and Storm.
North Queensland, who are enjoying a bye this week, were given two home games after Origin I and II against last-placed Newcastle and Manly while Melbourne had Penrith and Wests Tigers, also at home.
They will this week take on the Knights in Newcastle.
Brisbane meanwhile have had to travel after all Origin games, including a trip to New Zealand and now their second to Sydney.
But they were also only forced to play one game with a depleted side while the Cowboys had two.
Halfback Ben Hunt says while non-representative players, like himself, do not notice the amount of travel, he knows it is taking its toll on Brisbane’s Origin stars.
And in turn that has affected the team as a whole.
“It definitely does take a lot out of them,” he said of the representative players.
“Going to New Zealand they were really wrecked. We went out for dinner and no one even wanted to talk, they just wanted to go to bed.
“It is a contributing factor. We haven’t been playing as well as we should be ... everyone has been a bit off the pace lately.
“Every year you have some bad schedules coming out for a fair few teams it seems ... something has to change.”
The toll of Origin on the Broncos was further proven yesterday after forward Matt Gillett failed to train with a shoulder injury that he suffered in Wednesday night’s loss to NSW.
It is a big blow for the struggling side, who are also missing skipper Corey Parker through suspension.
Coach Wayne Bennett is yet to confirm how his starting forward pack will now line up without the likes of Parker and Gillett, but young forward Jai Arrow travelled with the team and Alex Glenn will move from the centres back into his preferred position in the second row.
Jordan Kahu will now play at left centre with Lachlan Maranta to take his place on the right wing.
Because of the loss of players for the South Sydney clash, the Broncos could still unleash their sixth rookie this season with exciting outside back Marion Seve on standby for the team.
Staff are waiting to see how players pull up this morning before deciding whether to debut the young sensation.
It is understood several Broncos have niggles while winger Corey Oates played Origin on Wednesday night.
Seve is a highly rated centre who Brisbane signed from the Wests Tigers in the off-season.
He has travelled with the team as 18th man and is to prepare as if he is playing just in case he is needed.
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
Brisbane, who have struggled with their form over the past two months, have had to play an away game after every Origin match this year, including this week’s showdown with the Rabbitohs in Sydney.
It is understood Broncos officials are filthy over how the scheduling has panned out, especially in comparison with fellow Origin ravaged top-six sides, the Cowboys and Storm.
North Queensland, who are enjoying a bye this week, were given two home games after Origin I and II against last-placed Newcastle and Manly while Melbourne had Penrith and Wests Tigers, also at home.
They will this week take on the Knights in Newcastle.
Brisbane meanwhile have had to travel after all Origin games, including a trip to New Zealand and now their second to Sydney.
But they were also only forced to play one game with a depleted side while the Cowboys had two.
Halfback Ben Hunt says while non-representative players, like himself, do not notice the amount of travel, he knows it is taking its toll on Brisbane’s Origin stars.
And in turn that has affected the team as a whole.
“It definitely does take a lot out of them,” he said of the representative players.
“Going to New Zealand they were really wrecked. We went out for dinner and no one even wanted to talk, they just wanted to go to bed.
“It is a contributing factor. We haven’t been playing as well as we should be ... everyone has been a bit off the pace lately.
“Every year you have some bad schedules coming out for a fair few teams it seems ... something has to change.”
The toll of Origin on the Broncos was further proven yesterday after forward Matt Gillett failed to train with a shoulder injury that he suffered in Wednesday night’s loss to NSW.
It is a big blow for the struggling side, who are also missing skipper Corey Parker through suspension.
Coach Wayne Bennett is yet to confirm how his starting forward pack will now line up without the likes of Parker and Gillett, but young forward Jai Arrow travelled with the team and Alex Glenn will move from the centres back into his preferred position in the second row.
Jordan Kahu will now play at left centre with Lachlan Maranta to take his place on the right wing.
Because of the loss of players for the South Sydney clash, the Broncos could still unleash their sixth rookie this season with exciting outside back Marion Seve on standby for the team.
Staff are waiting to see how players pull up this morning before deciding whether to debut the young sensation.
It is understood several Broncos have niggles while winger Corey Oates played Origin on Wednesday night.
Seve is a highly rated centre who Brisbane signed from the Wests Tigers in the off-season.
He has travelled with the team as 18th man and is to prepare as if he is playing just in case he is needed.
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
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