Should we be worried for 2017?

[winslow_wong]

Yeah the bubble has burst a bit with Milf. Needs to recover that sublime form he had. Looks like it has become a bit of a grind for him. Not playing with the same joy and enthusiasm.

Seems a bit like when Barba played for us.

 

[subsbligh]

Only for how the mind coach has planned avoiding the origin slump this year.

His sojourn to UK during that period and the complete collapse took 6 weeks to recover from and ultimately fucked our top 4 chances.

We could well be 0-5 to start the season. But it would be ok to be dark horses come the back end, I think it suits Hunt and co. Playing style

 

[Wild Horse]

Our team is heading into it's 3rd straight year as a genuine premiership contender. We like every other team have weaknesses.

Melbourne, Canberra, Nth Queensland or who ever - we can beat them all. I am anything but worried about the Broncos. If we can just click and find that enjoyment and will to play for each other like in 2015 we are well on our way - weaknesses and all. No worries.

Edit: I'll be worried if I see us line up to take the 2 points at goal instead of the tap this year lol. Why?

 

[Brent81]

Not too worried.

Crapulla just got owned by Wigan.

Ps EAD Crapulla

 

[Brotherdu]

Hey guys, long time lurker first time poster.

I always enjoy coming to the forum to get the views of people that seem to be more knowledgeable about the game than I am.

I personally am a bit worried about this year, the main reason being that I haven't seen any improvement on last year.

• We seem to lack a Plan B. When our one pass hit ups don't work and we get behind on the scoreboard we seem unsure about what to do. Here is where we need a Cronk/Thurston/Smith etc to keep a level head and instruct the troops. Maybe I don't see it, but the impression I get is that Hunt/Milf are waiting for someone else to do it or tell them what to do.
• Our forwards don't dominate opposition teams. I can't remember the last time we bullied an opposition pack. Fingers crossed Sims adds some starch this year and our young guns step up.
• I really rate Boyd and think he is the best option for Captain. His transformation in the last few years has been amazing. He is safe and a third play maker, but he seems to lack urgency coming out of trouble. It seems to me that he very rarely beats the first tackler anymore, or makes a break coming out of our own end and then he often has a whinge to the ref about the tackle, slowing the play the ball down unnecessarily.
• Hunt had a bad game, but he didn't lack effort. He made a couple of try saving tackles and got criticised for his marker defence, but at least he was there. Half the team wasn't onside yet and it was a couple of minutes into the game. There is no excuse for that in my mind to see Roberts still jogging back when Hunt has already made the tackle and they are playing the ball.
• Our defence has gone downhill since 2015. With the lack of pressure on kickers, poor kick chase and general lethargy and lack of playing to the whistle last year something seems off with the attitude.
• Creativity seems lacking. I remember in 2015 (against the Rabbits maybe?) we spread the ball off a scrum or tap in our own 20 and went the length of the field for a try. Most of our tries seem to be passing the ball through the hands for Oats to dot down in the corner. I realise it's stupid to criticise tries, but my point is when passing right to left stops working against the better teams (it works a lot) we get flustered and don't know what to try next.
• Kicking.......our short kicks are woeful. Does Boyd have a boot on him? Maybe Kahu could help out?
• I agree with everyone else who has said it, we seem to be making every effort to play in the spirit of the game, i.e. less wrestling, tacklers rolling away as fast as possible etc. Other teams take advantage of this to our detriment. There seems to be a lack of ability to adapt to the way the game is being played/reffed.

In summary, since 2015 our defence and attitude has gone down and I haven't noticed much improvement in other areas. Milford and Hunt haven't improved and still can't manage a game and keep pressure on other teams with pinpoint kicks and repeat sets. In terms of attitude, I don't know if it is as simple as Hodges being the key. Did the players want to play for Hodges, but not as much for Parker? Has the Rat saga caused more behinds the scenes issues that we realise?

I think we will still win more that we lose this year, but I can foresee more than a few frustrating weeks ahead. I don't know if you guys are the same, but a good Broncos win really sets up the rest of the weekend/week for me and a shitty loss has the opposite effect.

Thanks and sorry for the wall of text. :)

TLDR; I'm concerned about 2017 as I haven't seen much improvement since last year and certainly a decline since 2015.

 

[Renegade]

I wouldn't worry too much, I think Bennett doesn't take it too seriously and is more there for the growing of the game/exposure etc.

From memory we put our hands up when the Storm and a few others didn't want to go.

 

[Foordy]

Welcome @Brotherdu ... good first post, don't be a stranger :superhappythumbsup:

 

[NImitz]

It's basically a trial game half way around the world. So theoretically you shouldn't be worried.

But still a little worried as the issues the game highlighted are the same issues we've seen through a lot of last year. That's worrying.

I agree

 

[Brotherdu]

@Foordy thanks mate. :wave:

@Renegade I'm not overly worried about losing the trial match. Although, I'd be less worried if we'd gone there with a license to thrill, thrown the ball around, shown some razzle dazzle and then lost trying something different. The concern was more towards the fact that we had most of our team playing (bar Sims, Blair and Kodi) and the things we did poorly are the same things we did poorly last year. I didn't see anything that indicated that we are trying to adapt to those weaknesses......maybe Macca kicked more?

As an aside, I think it is fantastic that our young forwards got a go. They may not have set the world alight, but they weren't bad and it can only be good for their confidence for Bennett to show faith in them and get them all into the same team. I can imagine it would be a great experience for them even though we lost. I think a loss overseas in front of a vocal crowd in foreign conditions is way more important to their development than if we had taken Blair and Sims over punted a couple of them to an easy win in the Wynnum.

 

[FaithinHook]

Hey guys, long time lurker first time poster.

I always enjoy coming to the forum to get the views of people that seem to be more knowledgeable about the game than I am.

I personally am a bit worried about this year, the main reason being that I haven't seen any improvement on last year.

• We seem to lack a Plan B. When our one pass hit ups don't work and we get behind on the scoreboard we seem unsure about what to do. Here is where we need a Cronk/Thurston/Smith etc to keep a level head and instruct the troops. Maybe I don't see it, but the impression I get is that Hunt/Milf are waiting for someone else to do it or tell them what to do.
• Our forwards don't dominate opposition teams. I can't remember the last time we bullied an opposition pack. Fingers crossed Sims adds some starch this year and our young guns step up.
• I really rate Boyd and think he is the best option for Captain. His transformation in the last few years has been amazing. He is safe and a third play maker, but he seems to lack urgency coming out of trouble. It seems to me that he very rarely beats the first tackler anymore, or makes a break coming out of our own end and then he often has a whinge to the ref about the tackle, slowing the play the ball down unnecessarily.
• Hunt had a bad game, but he didn't lack effort. He made a couple of try saving tackles and got criticised for his marker defence, but at least he was there. Half the team wasn't onside yet and it was a couple of minutes into the game. There is no excuse for that in my mind to see Roberts still jogging back when Hunt has already made the tackle and they are playing the ball.
• Our defence has gone downhill since 2015. With the lack of pressure on kickers, poor kick chase and general lethargy and lack of playing to the whistle last year something seems off with the attitude.
• Creativity seems lacking. I remember in 2015 (against the Rabbits maybe?) we spread the ball off a scrum or tap in our own 20 and went the length of the field for a try. Most of our tries seem to be passing the ball through the hands for Oats to dot down in the corner. I realise it's stupid to criticise tries, but my point is when passing right to left stops working against the better teams (it works a lot) we get flustered and don't know what to try next.
• Kicking.......our short kicks are woeful. Does Boyd have a boot on him? Maybe Kahu could help out?
• I agree with everyone else who has said it, we seem to be making every effort to play in the spirit of the game, i.e. less wrestling, tacklers rolling away as fast as possible etc. Other teams take advantage of this to our detriment. There seems to be a lack of ability to adapt to the way the game is being played/reffed.

In summary, since 2015 our defence and attitude has gone down and I haven't noticed much improvement in other areas. Milford and Hunt haven't improved and still can't manage a game and keep pressure on other teams with pinpoint kicks and repeat sets. In terms of attitude, I don't know if it is as simple as Hodges being the key. Did the players want to play for Hodges, but not as much for Parker? Has the Rat saga caused more behinds the scenes issues that we realise?

I think we will still win more that we lose this year, but I can foresee more than a few frustrating weeks ahead. I don't know if you guys are the same, but a good Broncos win really sets up the rest of the weekend/week for me and a shitty loss has the opposite effect.

Thanks and sorry for the wall of text. :)

TLDR; I'm concerned about 2017 as I haven't seen much improvement since last year and certainly a decline since 2015.

Brotherdu, firstly, hi there. An welcome a board. This first posting of yours is a seriously wonderful effort an you seem to have a real feel for the game. I'm guessing,ex player perhaps? Anyways, anticipating your further thought greatly , thanks.

 

[winslow_wong]

I'm more worried about hair loss in 2017.

 

[lynx000]

Hey guys, long time lurker first time poster.

I always enjoy coming to the forum to get the views of people that seem to be more knowledgeable about the game than I am.

I personally am a bit worried about this year, the main reason being that I haven't seen any improvement on last year.

• We seem to lack a Plan B. When our one pass hit ups don't work and we get behind on the scoreboard we seem unsure about what to do. Here is where we need a Cronk/Thurston/Smith etc to keep a level head and instruct the troops. Maybe I don't see it, but the impression I get is that Hunt/Milf are waiting for someone else to do it or tell them what to do.
• Our forwards don't dominate opposition teams. I can't remember the last time we bullied an opposition pack. Fingers crossed Sims adds some starch this year and our young guns step up.
• I really rate Boyd and think he is the best option for Captain. His transformation in the last few years has been amazing. He is safe and a third play maker, but he seems to lack urgency coming out of trouble. It seems to me that he very rarely beats the first tackler anymore, or makes a break coming out of our own end and then he often has a whinge to the ref about the tackle, slowing the play the ball down unnecessarily.
• Hunt had a bad game, but he didn't lack effort. He made a couple of try saving tackles and got criticised for his marker defence, but at least he was there. Half the team wasn't onside yet and it was a couple of minutes into the game. There is no excuse for that in my mind to see Roberts still jogging back when Hunt has already made the tackle and they are playing the ball.
• Our defence has gone downhill since 2015. With the lack of pressure on kickers, poor kick chase and general lethargy and lack of playing to the whistle last year something seems off with the attitude.
• Creativity seems lacking. I remember in 2015 (against the Rabbits maybe?) we spread the ball off a scrum or tap in our own 20 and went the length of the field for a try. Most of our tries seem to be passing the ball through the hands for Oats to dot down in the corner. I realise it's stupid to criticise tries, but my point is when passing right to left stops working against the better teams (it works a lot) we get flustered and don't know what to try next.
• Kicking.......our short kicks are woeful. Does Boyd have a boot on him? Maybe Kahu could help out?
• I agree with everyone else who has said it, we seem to be making every effort to play in the spirit of the game, i.e. less wrestling, tacklers rolling away as fast as possible etc. Other teams take advantage of this to our detriment. There seems to be a lack of ability to adapt to the way the game is being played/reffed.

In summary, since 2015 our defence and attitude has gone down and I haven't noticed much improvement in other areas. Milford and Hunt haven't improved and still can't manage a game and keep pressure on other teams with pinpoint kicks and repeat sets. In terms of attitude, I don't know if it is as simple as Hodges being the key. Did the players want to play for Hodges, but not as much for Parker? Has the Rat saga caused more behinds the scenes issues that we realise?

I think we will still win more that we lose this year, but I can foresee more than a few frustrating weeks ahead. I don't know if you guys are the same, but a good Broncos win really sets up the rest of the weekend/week for me and a shitty loss has the opposite effect.

Thanks and sorry for the wall of text. :)

TLDR; I'm concerned about 2017 as I haven't seen much improvement since last year and certainly a decline since 2015.

Quality first post, welcome aboard. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water just yet, wait and see how are sitting around round 8-10 before hitting the panic button.

 

[Brotherdu]

@FaithinHook Thanks. No, not an ex player. I grew up playing union and only started watching league when I bought a house and couldn't afford foxtel to watch super rugby any more......I couldn't go back to union now.

@lynx000 I totally agree, definitely not time to panic. As I mentioned, I think we will still win more than we lose and am not writing the season off. You know how it goes, just making the 8 isn't enough for us Broncos fans :P. Here's hoping that we have something up our sleeve.

 

[Brent81]

Hey guys, long time lurker first time poster.

I always enjoy coming to the forum to get the views of people that seem to be more knowledgeable about the game than I am.

I personally am a bit worried about this year, the main reason being that I haven't seen any improvement on last year.

• We seem to lack a Plan B. When our one pass hit ups don't work and we get behind on the scoreboard we seem unsure about what to do. Here is where we need a Cronk/Thurston/Smith etc to keep a level head and instruct the troops. Maybe I don't see it, but the impression I get is that Hunt/Milf are waiting for someone else to do it or tell them what to do.
• Our forwards don't dominate opposition teams. I can't remember the last time we bullied an opposition pack. Fingers crossed Sims adds some starch this year and our young guns step up.
• I really rate Boyd and think he is the best option for Captain. His transformation in the last few years has been amazing. He is safe and a third play maker, but he seems to lack urgency coming out of trouble. It seems to me that he very rarely beats the first tackler anymore, or makes a break coming out of our own end and then he often has a whinge to the ref about the tackle, slowing the play the ball down unnecessarily.
• Hunt had a bad game, but he didn't lack effort. He made a couple of try saving tackles and got criticised for his marker defence, but at least he was there. Half the team wasn't onside yet and it was a couple of minutes into the game. There is no excuse for that in my mind to see Roberts still jogging back when Hunt has already made the tackle and they are playing the ball.
• Our defence has gone downhill since 2015. With the lack of pressure on kickers, poor kick chase and general lethargy and lack of playing to the whistle last year something seems off with the attitude.
• Creativity seems lacking. I remember in 2015 (against the Rabbits maybe?) we spread the ball off a scrum or tap in our own 20 and went the length of the field for a try. Most of our tries seem to be passing the ball through the hands for Oats to dot down in the corner. I realise it's stupid to criticise tries, but my point is when passing right to left stops working against the better teams (it works a lot) we get flustered and don't know what to try next.
• Kicking.......our short kicks are woeful. Does Boyd have a boot on him? Maybe Kahu could help out?
• I agree with everyone else who has said it, we seem to be making every effort to play in the spirit of the game, i.e. less wrestling, tacklers rolling away as fast as possible etc. Other teams take advantage of this to our detriment. There seems to be a lack of ability to adapt to the way the game is being played/reffed.

In summary, since 2015 our defence and attitude has gone down and I haven't noticed much improvement in other areas. Milford and Hunt haven't improved and still can't manage a game and keep pressure on other teams with pinpoint kicks and repeat sets. In terms of attitude, I don't know if it is as simple as Hodges being the key. Did the players want to play for Hodges, but not as much for Parker? Has the Rat saga caused more behinds the scenes issues that we realise?

I think we will still win more that we lose this year, but I can foresee more than a few frustrating weeks ahead. I don't know if you guys are the same, but a good Broncos win really sets up the rest of the weekend/week for me and a shitty loss has the opposite effect.

Thanks and sorry for the wall of text. :)

TLDR; I'm concerned about 2017 as I haven't seen much improvement since last year and certainly a decline since 2015.

First, great to have you on board.

Second, had another look at that game in England. Really odd defensive pattern for us (see how far we jammed in). I think that might have been a tactic for that game because we weren't doing the same thing in any of the trials.

Third, have a look at the first half, we actually made some half breaks down the right side - Mead had a couple of good runs. Seemed worried about trying to take them on on the outside (wet field etc). In Australia, I reckon Mead burns their winger a couple of times.

Fourth, forward momentum was ok mostly. We weren't stuck in our 30 all the time. Sims and Blair will help there. TPJ was ok.

Fifth - in the second half Warrington scored a goal and a field goal. We played much better in that half. Defence was better and the attack looked better (see the kick Hunt put in for Oates - if we can get on the front foot with a retreating defence, then we can do those sorts of things). We could have given up but we didn't. In the end we got beaten through a charged down kick and a dropped ball from Oates (not getting stuck into him, he got a bad bounce).

Sixth - Handling was shit. Need to fix that. Easy done.

We weren't as abysmal as we looked. Particularly when you realise that Warrington is six weeks ahead of us in terms of prep and they played damn well.

 

[I bleed Maroon]

@Brotherdu you'll go far with posts like that brother. Welcome. Stick around.

 

[Brotherdu]

@Brent81 I agree with most of your points. Although, I wouldn't say we got beaten by a charge down and and dropped ball. I think we got beaten because we let ourselves get 20 points behind and then lacked the composure to come back from that.

• Yes, we played better in the second half.
• Yes, Mead may have burned the wingers on Aussie grounds with better footing.
• Yes, if Oats had gathered it could have been a different story.

Something just seems off to me. Like the failed drop goal at the nines where Kahu converted after the buzzer to get us knocked out. Where was Boyd/Milf/Anyone with a clear head in his ear telling him to get on with it.

Maybe I'm looking for things that aren't there, but I get very twitchy when we aren't in front. I think there was a stat last year to do with how good we were when we scored the first try vs how we struggled when we didn't.

When things aren't going our way, I just don't have the confidence that we're going to come back.

I feel like I'm being overly negative now :P after all it is only the pre season. It must just be jitters brought on by lack of footy and too much time to over analyse things. Bring on round 1 and the Sharkies! What better way to kick the season off than a win against the reigning premiers away from home to set all our minds at ease. Amirite?

 

[Morkel]

@Brent81 I agree with most of your points. Although, I wouldn't say we got beaten by a charge down and and dropped ball. I think we got beaten because we let ourselves get 20 points behind and then lacked the composure to come back from that.

• Yes, we played better in the second half.
• Yes, Mead may have burned the wingers on Aussie grounds with better footing.
• Yes, if Oats had gathered it could have been a different story.

Something just seems off to me. Like the failed drop goal at the nines where Kahu converted after the buzzer to get us knocked out. Where was Boyd/Milf/Anyone with a clear head in his ear telling him to get on with it.

Maybe I'm looking for things that aren't there, but I get very twitchy when we aren't in front. I think there was a stat last year to do with how good we were when we scored the first try vs how we struggled when we didn't.

When things aren't going our way, I just don't have the confidence that we're going to come back.

I feel like I'm being overly negative now :p after all it is only the pre season. It must just be jitters brought on by lack of footy and too much time to over analyse things. Bring on round 1 and the Sharkies! What better way to kick the season off than a win against the reigning premiers away from home to set all our minds at ease. Amirite?

To the bolded, I recall more than once last year against top sides where we were behind on the scoreboard, looked down & out, and managed to graft out a win. Round 4 against the Cows is a great example.

 

[Brotherdu]

To the bolded, I recall more than once last year against top sides where we were behind on the scoreboard, looked down & out, and managed to graft out a win. Round 4 against the Cows is a great example.

I was there, how could I forget? I might have to go watch it again.