Hoshsie
NRL Player
- Apr 6, 2022
- 1,357
- 2,356
we DEFINITELY deserve a top 4 spot, you dont have the 3rd best for and against and not deserve to be in the top 4, how would losing to a full-strength storm make us not deserve it.
PRE-GAME [Round 27, 2025] Broncos vs Storm
- Thread starter ningnangnong
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johnyE
QCup Player
- Aug 17, 2015
- 335
- 726
Especially through the middle , get yardage then width. Hot potato that ball through the ruck is exactly what we don't seem to do.
Nightwatchman
NYC Player
- Aug 16, 2016
- 213
- 297
The fact is the Broncos have lost a significant amount of games this year (9). They conceded 30 points against the Cowboys. That even Brad Fittler has backtracked on his prediction, making the Grand Final after one game of football. That if the Broncos can't win against the Storm, a failure to make the top four is probably right on form this year.
On another note, I don't understand why Fittler made the prediction. After the Storm loss, we have beaten the Dolphins and the Knights. Those teams are not exactly premiership contenders. I also wonder if Rugby league analysts exaggerated their demise when Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam went down. When considering the depth they have in the halves. This may not be a popular opinion, but when Reynolds, Mam, Ben Hunt, and Billy Walters are all in the team. It can be a case that too many chefs spoil the broth. I noticed when we were missing a couple of players against the Bulldogs, it did seem to spark Mam into form.
- Aug 25, 2018
- 19,775
- 34,210
I like our chances in this game.
Not sure where to point the finger, with Walsh pretty much assuming the 6 role in attack and Billy playing some kind of hooker hybrid but chiming into the backline to good effect occasionally. Suffice to say, we might be missing Mam's creativity, but not the leadership void around Reynolds.
We also look better with Smoothy at dummy half.
When Reynolds returns, I'd be loathe to start him. I'd probably go:
9. Smoothy
6. Walters
7. Hunt
14. Reynolds
Then mix and match.
Was highly skeptical of Walters at 6, but the Hunt/Walters/Walsh combo is the best we've clicked all year. Mainly because Walsh has assumed the playmaking role.
Not sure where to point the finger, with Walsh pretty much assuming the 6 role in attack and Billy playing some kind of hooker hybrid but chiming into the backline to good effect occasionally. Suffice to say, we might be missing Mam's creativity, but not the leadership void around Reynolds.
We also look better with Smoothy at dummy half.
When Reynolds returns, I'd be loathe to start him. I'd probably go:
9. Smoothy
6. Walters
7. Hunt
14. Reynolds
Then mix and match.
BroncosFever
State of Origin Rep
- Jun 6, 2014
- 7,011
- 12,774
If we beat Melbourne we deserve it, we would have earned it the hard way. We've lost to some pretty ordinary teams this year, that could very well come back to bite us.
Nightwatchman
NYC Player
- Aug 16, 2016
- 213
- 297
Going down to Parramatta in round 21 hurts, but then again, they also took down the Warriors. Darren Lockyer predicted on the Sunday footy telecast Broncos will lose to the Storm and finish 6th. It would set up a first-round clash with Penrith from his finals prediction. Not an ideal match-up so early in an elimination round
. A lot is riding on the Broncos on Thursday night. Destiny is in their hands 
.
Jeffy
NYC Player
- Apr 22, 2025
- 150
- 755
Short of a Knights miracle, round 26 results could not gone better.
This Storm game is may as well be finals for us - win and I think we have a real shot at Raiders. Their edge defence is suspect, especially Fogarty's side.
Lose and we're looking at 50/40/10 odds I'd estimate of playing Panthers/Roosters/Dolphins. Let's say you ignore the benefits of finishing top 4, I would still much rather play Raiders away than Panthers at home
This Storm game is may as well be finals for us - win and I think we have a real shot at Raiders. Their edge defence is suspect, especially Fogarty's side.
Lose and we're looking at 50/40/10 odds I'd estimate of playing Panthers/Roosters/Dolphins. Let's say you ignore the benefits of finishing top 4, I would still much rather play Raiders away than Panthers at home
Berry Barrigan
QCup Player
- Feb 11, 2025
- 378
- 863
Melbourne’s not going to rest everyone, but I’d be surprised if Belly doesn’t give a few key guys a break. We won’t be playing the Falcons though
Santa
State of Origin Captain
- Jun 30, 2020
- 11,652
- 21,872
Thats big news, although on form Sharks probably still beat Bulldogs (they've really dropped off).
- Jan 25, 2014
- 49,085
- 42,428
Trying to defend our way to a win is not the way to go in this game. We try to get into a grind with them, we won’t come out on top. They will simply be too good.
We need to get them into a good old fashioned shootout, that’s the way we win. Their edges are susceptible to bad defensive decisions, that’s where we exploit.
We need to get them into a good old fashioned shootout, that’s the way we win. Their edges are susceptible to bad defensive decisions, that’s where we exploit.
Waynesaurus
State of Origin Rep
- Jun 3, 2013
- 5,011
- 8,666
Yep, we also have to improve our ball control, if we make as many errors as we have been then they'll control possession and makes us pay.
Elcapitano20
BRL Player
- Jun 17, 2022
- 71
- 133
When Reynolds comes back, I honestly think Walters to the bench, and smoothy to start at 9, he offers more than Paix on and off the ball, also noted that he is low key very deceptive close to the try line.
- Aug 25, 2018
- 19,775
- 34,210
That was my initial thought. I didn't think Billy had the ticker for 80 minutes, but he's exceeded my expectations in that regard. Which was a relief. He's not exactly a star 6, but he's been pretty good at picking up the slack when Walsh can't do everything. And he's been pulling a surprise out of the hat every game lately.
I don't think Hunt was any better in that role. But he's been excellent at 7. I'm liking him more than Reynolds and firming in my conviction we shouldn't have extended him.
I wouldn't be relying on Reynolds to get through 80 minutes in the thick of it, straight back from a hamstring injury, but if we carry him on the bench rather than Paix, I think, on balance, we gain. I don't know who goes off or how the shuffle would work. Madge hasn't been following received wisdom there.
I agree about Smoothy. I think we're losing valuable depth when he leaves.
- Sep 6, 2013
- 65,763
- 83,997
Agreed. I’ve always rated Smoothy. I guess if Reynolds is on the bench, you can slot either of Hunt or Walters into 9. It’s a massive reshuffle though for a guy who may come on, pull a hammy and walk straight back off.
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