Season Preview (need your help)

[JLA007]

For the upcoming season I plan to do a season preview for every team on The Roar ,I thought best way to get an great understanding of each teams prospects is from the fans that themselves. Happy to accept multiple answers from fans to get a range of perspectives.

From being up 16 points in the Grand Final in 2023 to finishing 12th in 2024 and having your coach was sacked. My question is what on earth happened in the space of a year and was Kevin Walters hard done by being let go?

Michael Maguire is now in charge does his style of coaching provide something the Broncos need and is it weird that NSW coach from last year now coach of Queensland biggest club?

What is the plan for Ben Hunt long term, he will play in the halves until Ezra Mam returns but he will join a plethora of hookers it unsure who will get the dummy half role?

Do you feel in attack Brisbane are too reliant on Reece Walsh and at times it can be a bit predictable to shut down with his sweeping plays?

Looking at your predicted bench looks like a lot of unproven players are you confident the team won't go forward won't dramatically fall off once Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas leave the field?



Who is a player's that is due to have a breakout season and what rookie can debut which can make an impact?

Who is best addition to the squad and who is the biggest loss to the squad?

What is the biggest weakness in the team heading into the season? Can you it improving?

How is the squad depth do you feel comfortable the team can cover to an injury to a key player?

What is the strongest 17?

What will be considered a pass for this year and what will be considered as a failure for 2025 and lastly what is your prediction for this year ?

 

[Culhwch]

From being up 16 points in the Grand Final in 2023 to finishing 12th in 2024 and having your coach was sacked. My question is what on earth happened in the space of a year and was Kevin Walters hard done by being let go?

I don't know what you are talking about, the competition was suspended in 2023 so there wasn't a Grand Final. First time since 2015, if I'm remembering correctly.

 

[Redux]

1A. There are multiple reasons we failed in 2024. We had a really short preseason, it started late because of the GF and a few players selected for the pacific championship. Then the preseason was cut short because we had to go to Las Vegas. Without doubt we were underdone, throw in the fact we had a rough draw and a brutal Origin period. Then there were the injuries to key personal, mainly Walsh, Reynolds and Hass, all playing about half a season, also lost a few of our backup players to injury as well. We then lost quite a few players during games, mainly second row, I would guess at least half the season one of our second rowers didn't make it till the end of the game. All this meant that we crashed and burned in 2024.

1B. Yes and no. Kevvie was dealt a rough hand there is no question but some of the short comings of the team, mainly backups, was well known before the season start. The buck ultimately stops with the coach, he had a good run and perhaps was a bit unlucky but he got the club back on its feet, so I cant knock him to much.

2A. Yes, Michael Maguire style is something the Broncos needed. The Broncos are a flashy team with talent up to their eyeballs but work ethic perhaps not. With Maguire here, we are looking for a hardness in the team and a willingness to do the dirty stuff so when the flashy plays don't come off, we are not headless in defence. I'm looking for more control around the ruck and more physicality in the tackles. To do this we need to be rock hard fit and that's something Maguire seems to bring where as with Kevvie it seems it was his coaching staff.

2B. Yes, very weird but as long as he can improve the team, I couldn't care less.

 

[Redux]

3. The plan for Ben Hunt long term is halfback when Renno retires. Short term in the 5/8, then when Ezra's back we change it up. I could see Mam as our 14 for a few around if he doesn't get the 5/8 full time gig back straight away. Think Kodi Nikorima ,2015, super sub or maybe 30 minutes of Mam at 5/8 with Hunt moving to Hooker to give Paix a spell. If Paix goes well I can see him keeping the 9 spot and Mam moving to 14 till he's up to speed.

4. Last year I would say Yes but with Reynolds out for half the year a feel that Walsh took it upon himself to try and win games. This year should be a little different, with hunt in the team and his ball playing ability being better then Mams, I see hunt pulling apart the opposition on his side with Walsh. If they are rushing Walsh, a short ball to the second rower/ cut out to the winger or just a plain old dummy and go, should make Hunt lethal on that side. Walsh wont have to touch the ball just the mere threat of Walsh will open up sides.
With a fit Reynolds and a firing hunt there should be much less pressure on Walsh to just "do something" with the ball. The other great BENefit of hunt, is if Renno goes down, it wont all fall to just Walsh again to work magic.