Having a brief read through the Broncos draw...
Round 1 vs Cronulla (A)
It's always tough to beat the defending premiers, over the past 9 seasons, the defending premiers have won 7 games. In the two games where the defending premiers loss, there were extenuating circumstances. After a shocking start to the season where both Brett Stewart and Anthony Watmough were involved in seperate high profile incidents, the Canterbury Bulldogs put them to the sword 34-12. The other instance was a case of deja vu where South Sydney beat them 28-10, the exact same scoreline as the year prior in the exact same fixture.
Cronulla have never been stronger starters themselves, with a 1-7 record. Their lone win came against the Gold Coast Titans in 2013 and even that was a close 12-10 victory. Brisbane's record against Cronulla isn't all that great, winning only 1 game in their past 4 encounters. That win was in Round 2 of 2015, a game many considered one of the worst of that season where both teams struggled to get through their sets.
Verdict - Leaning towards a Cronulla victory in a close encounter. Their forward pack will be too tough to handle and questions will be asked of the Broncos big men.
Round 2 vs North Queensland (H)
Strap in for another blockbuster. Since 2009, there's only been one instance where the game has been decided by more than a converted try and both teams will be going into the game with a point to prove. Brisbane have won the past five fixtures at Suncorp and I tend to believe they'll get up here.
Round 3 vs Melbourne (A)
I dread our games against Melbourne, but the Broncos have enjoyed better success at AAMI than they have had at Suncorp. They're two from two against Melbourne in Melbourne and were well in the contest in 2014 until a late intercept try to Fonua sealed it for the Storm.
What could be interesting is that Melbourne could find themselves 0-2. They face Canterbury in Round 1 at Belmore, a fixture they usually struggle in and have to follow that up by going to Auckland and facing the Warriors in another clash that gives them headaches. Melbourne went through an upheavel and while they usually save their best for Brisbane, I'm quietly confident of the Broncos chances.
Round 4 vs Raiders (H)
The Raiders in Canberra are one thing, but at Suncorp they've usually struggled. They themselves have a tough draw to open the season with, facing the Cowboys in Townsville and the defending premiers at home (where the Sharks have won the past four encounters). While the opening three encounters could go either way, I'm confident the Broncos will win this game any means necessary.
Round 5 vs Bulldogs (A)
You just never know what you're going to get from Canterbury. One week they could look awful, the next they'll play with finals intensity and catch one of the better teams off their game. Toss of the dice, if the Broncos hold their own in defence they should have too many points in them for Canterbury.
I'm tipping this as a sink or swim moment for one of our young forwards. I'm expecting a checkered start from them, but it will be this game where you'll see tongues wagging for one of them.
Round 6 vs Roosters (H)
The Roosters are always a handful at home, even when they're supposed to be struggling like last season. Like they did a week prior against Cronulla, they came out guns a blazing and really caught our boys off guard. I'm expecting similar here as there's never been a regular season blow-out game between the two teams.
The Broncos ought to win, but it will be a struggle.
Round 7 vs Titans (H)
The Titans have never beaten the Broncos on the road. The one and only win at Suncorp was their first encounter against the Broncos, when the Titans 'hosted' the Broncos in 2007. Otherwise, it's been all Brisbane and despite all the hype and hooplah, the Broncos should win this one.
Round 8 vs Souths (A)
It seems like the pendulum has swung between these two teams with Brisbane holding a 3 game winning streak after Souths had four games on the Broncos. This is the ANZAC Weekend encounter which is always fiery but will be the first time the encounter is played outside of Suncorp.
Toss of the dice, Souths should be better this year and won't be as weak as the past two clashes at ANZ Stadium.
Round 9 vs Panthers (H)
The Broncos always struggle against Penrith, holding a 1-4 record in their past five encounters. The one win Brisbane recorded against Penrith happened at the death with Corey Oates scoring on the last play of a seven tackle set. Suffice to say, Penrith are going to be a pain in the arse and I'm leaning towards them making it a 1-5 for the Broncos.
Round 10 vs Sea Eagles (A) *Suncorp*
If there is one luxury the Broncos have been spared, it's no more NSW games against Manly. Brisbane have a horrific record against Manly in NSW losing their past four games. Thankfully in Brisbane it's a lot better with the Broncos scoring three consecutive comprehensive victories against Manly. I'm expecting a similar song and dance here.
Round 11 vs Tigers (H)
The Tigers may have won the corresponding fixture last season, but it was an Origin affected round. This time things are going to be different and I expect the Broncos to continue their impressive record against the Tigers. You may even see some Benji magic in this game.
Round 12 vs Warriors (A)
All the Origin players will be missing for this game. May as well pencil in the loss now.
That's where I'll leave it.
Touch wood but unless Brisbane suffer a horrific injury toll or something absolutely absurd happens, I've got the Broncos winning 8 of their opening 12 games, which is on par with last year and one less than 2015.
