Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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HALFBACK legend Peter Sterling has challenged Ben Hunt to stamp his mark on a Broncos side he believes is taking too many “soft” options to win the premiership.
In a candid assessment on the eve of the crucial Broncos-Roosters clash at Allianz Stadium, Sterling, a four-time premiership-winner, dismissed Brisbane’s title claims.
Sterling’s critique came as Broncos coach Wayne Bennett turned up the heat on his misfiring troops, demanding they find the attitude that swept Brisbane to last year’s grand final.
Brisbane’s title ambitions are teetering after six losses in eight games and they face the Roosters without star Maroons trio Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday and Josh McGuire.
Bennett believes it is possible to win the premiership from outside the top four, but Sterling — one of the code’s most respected analysts — says Brisbane have lost their hard edge.
“I don’t think Brisbane can win the comp,” said Sterling, who won four premierships with the Eels between 1981-86.
“I’m one of those people who don’t believe you can win the title from outside the top four and I will only change my mind when it does happen.
“If the Broncos don’t finish top four, no, they can’t win it and even if they do, I still have grave doubts based on what I’ve seen.
“They would want to be a lot better over the next six weeks than they have been the previous six weeks.”
In his pomp, Sterling was one of rugby league’s finest halfback tacticians, making him perfectly qualified to forensically analyse Hunt’s playmaking slide this season.
A veteran of 18 Tests, 13 Origin matches and 227 top-grade games, Sterling questioned Hunt’s decision-making, but said he is also a victim of Brisbane’s forward struggles.
“Hunt’s kicking and decision-making is a bit off,” the Eels great said. “I don’t think the players around him are helping, but Ben Hunt is not in form either.
“I thought Brisbane looked for some soft options (in last week’s dismal loss to Penrith).
“They looked to make things happen rather than knuckling down. It was un-Brisbane-like and Hunt was part of that.
“As a playmaker, you have to be vocal and stamp your mark on a game. But you also have to look at what kind of platform is being set and you have to ask if Ben Hunt is getting help from his forwards.”
A loss to the Roosters would leave sixth-placed Brisbane in danger of missing the playoffs and Bennett implored his troops to find their desire.
“We have to get our attitude back,” he said.
“At the moment, we have a team that’s not where it should be. We can’t blame one player.
“It’s all about your attitude and desire.
“The issue for me is the standard we’re playing at. I’ve told the guys I’m not worried about the result, I want them to get back and play the way they can and how they should be playing.”
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
In a candid assessment on the eve of the crucial Broncos-Roosters clash at Allianz Stadium, Sterling, a four-time premiership-winner, dismissed Brisbane’s title claims.
Sterling’s critique came as Broncos coach Wayne Bennett turned up the heat on his misfiring troops, demanding they find the attitude that swept Brisbane to last year’s grand final.
Brisbane’s title ambitions are teetering after six losses in eight games and they face the Roosters without star Maroons trio Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday and Josh McGuire.
Bennett believes it is possible to win the premiership from outside the top four, but Sterling — one of the code’s most respected analysts — says Brisbane have lost their hard edge.
“I don’t think Brisbane can win the comp,” said Sterling, who won four premierships with the Eels between 1981-86.
“I’m one of those people who don’t believe you can win the title from outside the top four and I will only change my mind when it does happen.
“If the Broncos don’t finish top four, no, they can’t win it and even if they do, I still have grave doubts based on what I’ve seen.
“They would want to be a lot better over the next six weeks than they have been the previous six weeks.”
In his pomp, Sterling was one of rugby league’s finest halfback tacticians, making him perfectly qualified to forensically analyse Hunt’s playmaking slide this season.
A veteran of 18 Tests, 13 Origin matches and 227 top-grade games, Sterling questioned Hunt’s decision-making, but said he is also a victim of Brisbane’s forward struggles.
“Hunt’s kicking and decision-making is a bit off,” the Eels great said. “I don’t think the players around him are helping, but Ben Hunt is not in form either.
“I thought Brisbane looked for some soft options (in last week’s dismal loss to Penrith).
“They looked to make things happen rather than knuckling down. It was un-Brisbane-like and Hunt was part of that.
“As a playmaker, you have to be vocal and stamp your mark on a game. But you also have to look at what kind of platform is being set and you have to ask if Ben Hunt is getting help from his forwards.”
A loss to the Roosters would leave sixth-placed Brisbane in danger of missing the playoffs and Bennett implored his troops to find their desire.
“We have to get our attitude back,” he said.
“At the moment, we have a team that’s not where it should be. We can’t blame one player.
“It’s all about your attitude and desire.
“The issue for me is the standard we’re playing at. I’ve told the guys I’m not worried about the result, I want them to get back and play the way they can and how they should be playing.”
No Cookies | The Courier Mail
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