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The Brisbane Broncos started their season with an upset loss to the Roosters in Vegas, and one journalist isn’t confident they can repeat the success of last season.
The Broncos were arguably the best team in the competition last season, and if it wasn’t for a 20-minute Nathan Cleary masterclass in the grand final, Brisbane would have hoisted the trophy.
However, The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie thinks that Brisbane’s 2023 campaign was a “one-off” season.
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“I haven’t been confident from the start,” Ritchie said on NRL 360.
“I think they did well last year. I think it was one of those magic one-off years.
“I just don’t have a theory that everyone all shares that once you make one, you have this God-given right to come back the following year.
“But It’s bloody hard. Two players have moved on in Herbie Farmworth and Tom Flegler. And I just think the fact that others might have caught up to Brisbane.
“I’m not saying they’re not going to be in and around it, but I’m just not as in love with the Broncos as other people. I don’t think they’ll go as good as last year.”
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Fox League’s James Hooper disagreed, noting that Brisbane didn’t have much go their way in Vegas, including starting back rower Brendan Piakura knocked out of the game early after failing a HIA.
“I think the fact that Brendan Piakura was forced off early, that meant a reshuffle. Patrick Carrigan was playing in the back row. He’s far more effective in the middle,” Hooper said
“I also think the dimensions of that field at Allegiant Stadium actually restricted the Broncos and the width which they liked to play with there.
“They’re their best when Reece Walsh is sweeping both sides of the ruck and they’re looking to get their centres heavily involved.
You go back to that trial where Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo absolutely carved the Cowboys up and they put a score on.
I still think the Broncos are huge threat in this competition. It’s still very early days, but I think at full strength they’re a damn good side.”
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