The Dragons.

[Professor47]

Ok, I'm going to put it out there. The Dragons in 2009. Could win it.

How GOOD did the Dragons look against the Cowboys? Wow. I won't jump the gun but if this is a small taste of what is coming in September, then look out. Apart from a small middle lapse, they might not have been dominating but they showed some signs they could really be leading up to something big. They look dangerous!

 

[brisbroncosboy]

The way it is going at the moment it will be an all sydney grand final between dogs and dragons. Dogs can beat dragons

 

[Coxy]

Dogs are specials for the premiership this year. Dragons and Storm are their only threats.

 

[tryhard]

Agree Dogs, Saints plus the Storm are a massive threat to take it again and have done it all before but don't rule out the Cowboys if all are fit (once Bowen gets back on the paddock)

 

[mrslong]

Watching the Dragons is like watching the Broncos from previous seasons. Wayne Bennett is the king of the world.

 

[Coxy]

Watching the Dragons is like watching the Broncos from previous seasons but better. Wayne Bennett is the king of the world.

Slight change.

The way the Dragons apply themselves the game plan is a pleasure to watch. They're committed, enthusiastic, passionate, powerful...

Makes me think the Broncos problems of the past decade (excepting 2006) is a complete lack of application by its playing staff...I'm gonna say it. Our players don't give a shit about the Broncos jersey. There, I said it.

 

[Coxy]

I disagree Rock. Broncos have always put in EFFORT, but they've regularly looked like they don't have any real desire to win. This is certainly the first year they've even lacked the effort (last 2 weeks mainly, but it had been brewing for weeks beforehand).

While we had excuses some years (2007 injuries for example), our late season fade outs commonly showed a lack of passion. 2003 and 2005 in particular.

 

[mrslong]

The Dragons are playing with passion for the first time, they're keen under Wayne Bennett and they're out to make amends and prove to everyone how good they are, they're going great guns now but just wait the slump will happen. (2005? remember we were unstoppable for 10 rounds in a row!).

I wouldn't say they're better then any of our previous teams, I'd say they're on par. however, I'd say our team in 2006 was far superior to the current Dragons team (Casey McGuire and Shane Perry not included).

 

[mrslong]

We always put in effort up until this time in the season. Hard to judge the Dragqueens because they're on par with us.

We'll see what happens after 26 rounds eh to reserve judgement.

Atm, it's like watching the Broncos.

 

[Nashy]

There was always going to be a time where the Broncos lost their status as the team to play for, and the team to beat. We can't be on top forever, and Bennett leaving was the beginning.

I'll be more interested to see how many people give up on league when the Broncos head toward the bottom of the ladder.

The Dragons will win this year, they are absoultely brilliant to watch, and when it comes down to it, they just look like they are enjoying playing football with their mates.

 

[Bucking Beads]

Dragons won't win it IMO thye don't have the class in the halves and Soward is an oppurtunist not a good footballer. Dogs will run out of puff after playing brillant football for most of the season. I think the Storm will probably win it but I ain;t writing off the mighty Broncos or the Tits and Cowboys if Bowen isn;t inured for too long.

 

[tryhard]

You really can't buy what Bennett gives to a team. It is something special and people are born with that. Saints love playing for him. Just hear the way they talk. Sounds just like the old Broncs. I do think Dell has a lot to do with their pride in their team and jersey relating to his respect for Bennett.
They are a good passionate side and they do play for each other and their coach. We don't anymore.
We don't appear to have the pride in our jersey and club that we once had. The end of last season proved that.
Then again, with my hate of Bruno.....It was all his fault for taking over the team [icon_shady

 

[The Brizz]

One difference is the fact Bennett is using his backrowers properly at St George with Prior and Creagh creating havoc out wide and the recent Broncos have used Carlaw, Parker, Thaiday, Te'o, Setu etc far to centrally nullifying the size advantage they can get out wide.

 

[Professor47]

2005 - A year to forget that is for sure. I can't remember exactly what the team was on paper but at this stage Hunt was not the player he is today, and Tate is a great player but he really killed some attacking plays for us. Webcke and Civo were just too slow after origin IMO. On top of all this, Our backline was consistently changing and shifting and we just did not look good in attack at all. We didnt look like winning towards the end at all.

03 - This year was tough. Correct me if I'm wrong but we lost Locky until he came back for the 1st vs 8th game. Had a good start then Penrith came back strong in the end to become eventual premiers anyway. We didn't have the 6 and 7 to win the comp imo. Stuart Kelly.

04 - Carbon copy of 05 I reckon.Our attack was just - meh.

We all know 01/02/08 was heartbreak.

To this day, I still rue over 02. Later down the track I might rue over 2008 but I don't think we would have beat Manly in the GF if they played expansive footy like they did on the night. Our team in 08 was no way near as good as 02 but the competition was dismal compared to 02 as well. Hence, 08 was another year we could have won.

 

[Chumbason]

I have said it for years, a great deal of the time Broncos play like they are happy with just playing for the broncos and not so much about playing 'well' for the broncos.

 

[Kimlo]

Dogs are specials for the premiership this year. Dragons and Storm are their only threats.

Remind me of manly last year too, only having one player for origin. Should be leading the ladder by 4 points clear too.

Broncos can still win it IMO, they look a world away atm but 1 week is a long time in league and we have 12 weeks to turn it around and pose a real threat.

 

[Kimlo]

One difference is the fact Bennett is using his backrowers properly at St George with Prior and Creagh creating havoc out wide and the recent Broncos have used Carlaw, Parker, Thaiday, Te'o, Setu etc far to centrally nullifying the size advantage they can get out wide.

IMO, I reckon the Broncos are badly missing a player in the backrow who is a tackling machine. Anyone else wish Carroll went for one more year? :P

 

[Professor47]

^
TC!!!

His attack was awesome as well! Lockyer to TC!