The team was among the heavy favorites heading into the season after last year’s run to the championship game, so this would be devastating for them. Walters has recently defended his decisions to rest players like Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Patrick Carrigan in preparation for finals football.
But if they lose against the Dragons this weekend, the Broncos risk falling much farther below the top eight. Not even making it to the NRL finals will make resting players a non-issue. A loss would put Walters in fourteenth place, four points behind the leaders, and they will be missing a lot of players this week because of Origin.
Parker, a legend on the club, has raised doubts about whether or not the squad is making the same sacrifices as last year, which is crucial for continued success. Parker made passing references to the Panthers’ long-term success, while the Broncos have failed in key areas.
When compared to 2023, their defense is noticeably lacking. The Broncos fell from second to eighth place in defensive efficiency from last season. Parker has also raised doubts about the team’s mentality.
“Just because you played in a Grand Final, doesn’t mean you’ll get back there the next year,” Parker remarked on SEN Radio. “It is absolutely remarkable to think the Penrith Panthers have played in four straight Grand Finals and won three, incredible, one of the best sides in the modern era.
“The Brisbane Broncos last year paid a price, they paid a price each and every week, it was evident and on show to see – the desire, the intent, the connectivity, the resilience of the team week in and week out was on display. If you are not prepared to pay the same price and sacrifice the same things that you did last year, it may only be one or two things off, you will not succeed.
“For me, that has been the difference… over 18 rounds.” Parker was critical of the Broncos’ effort levels across 80 minutes in 2024 and claimed something would need to alter to make the top eight.
“At different stages, at moments in games, the Brisbane Broncos have been terrific but across the whole of an 80-minute period, have not been where they need to be,” he continued. “Sure, they’ve had injuries, they’ve had suspensions, they’ve had players who haven’t had a lot of first grade, they don’t have their halfback – these are all excuses.”
Broncos hit with Jock Madden injury
Kevin Walters’ side was faced with a fresh setback on the weekend when replacement halfback Jock Madden hobbled off hurt. Madden walked off with a hamstring injury early in the second half and Walters claims he expected the playmaker to be out for at least a month in a heartbreaking new setback for the club.
It means Brisbane will be forced to turn to their fourth-string option at halfback against the Dragons, with skipper Adam Reynolds and rookie Cody Black also absent with injury. Walters has indicated Josh Rogers will be handed the reins for just his third game in the NRL after impressing earlier in the season.
