Brisbane Broncos 2016 season in review

For the second time in two seasons, the hearts of Broncos fans were broken by North Queensland maestro Johnathan Thurston in extra time. 

In another epic.encounter seemingly now par-for-the-course for the two clubs, their sudden death week two final was locked at 20-all before Thurston put halves partner Michael Morgan over with a trademark show-and-go. It was a bitter exit for the Broncos, who were seeking redemption after their one-point 2015 grand final loss at the hands (well, boot) of the same man.

Pre-season favourites, Wayne Bennett's side were first in early May but slipped to sixth by late July as Origin absences and ill-timed injuries took their toll. At a time when they needed him most, Brisbane lost hooker Andrew McCullough for several weeks while injuries to backs left them thin out wide. Back-to-back heavy losses to Melbourne (Round 16) and Canterbury (Round 17) were the low points.

But an ugly 12-8 win over St. George Illawarra in Round 22 ignited a six-game winning streak, giving the Broncos much-needed momentum heading into the playoffs. A high-scoring win over southern rivals Gold Coast in week one set up an '15 grand final re-match. Again, it was arguably the most enthralling match of the season but again a piece of Thurston magic proved the death knell.

What Worked

When firing on all cylinders, the Broncos proved they could match it with any team in the competition. A slick 26-16 win over minor-premiers Melbourne Storm at AAMI a fortnight out from the finals had many thinking a seventh title was on the cards. The speed and agility of Anthony Milford and James Roberts made many highlight reels but the gulf between their best and worst performances needs to be slimmed. 

What Didn't Work

The mid-year State of Origin slump reared it's ugly head, with the team unable to recover lost ground. Brisbane lost seven from nine games over the mid-year representative period and while they made a late charge it wasn't enough to secure a crucial top four berth. It denied them a second bite at the cherry in the finals, instead putting them on course for an ultimately fatal match-up against the Cowboys. In their second year together, halves Ben Hunt and Milford weren't as consistent as in '15, leaving the ship looking slightly rudderless at times. 

Best Player

Darius Boyd. The custodian proved why he is the frontrunner for the captaincy next season. Now with 19 Tests and 26 Origin matches under his belt, the ultra-reliable Boyd was again the link between Brisbane's halves and their outside backs. The 29-year-old finished in the club's top three for total metres, tackle breaks and try assists and crossed the line nine times himself. 

Disappointing Player

Lachlan Maranta. Yet another unfashionable winger often favoured by Bennett (think Stu Kelly and Scott Minto) the 24-year-old was the side's top try scorer in 2015 with 15 but failed to replicated that form in his eight games this year. A handful of error-riddled matches preceded a decision to sign with the Queensland Reds, a signing former Wallaby Greg Martin dubbed the 'worst ever'.  

Rookies

Brisbane debuted six players, unearthing some gems in the process. Workhorse forward Jai Arrow is a serious contender to inherit Corey Parker's vacant lock position, while fellow backrower Jaydn Sua played 80 minutes and amassed 40+ tackles in his first game. The size and footwork of Tevita Pangai Jnr also turned plenty of heads.

But centre Tom Opacic looked the most comfortable making the step up from Intrust Super Cup, taking out the club's Rookie of the Year Awards after nine matches. Fellow Redcliffe flyer Jonus Pearson scored twice in his first game. Englishman Greg Eden also cracked the NRL but has headed back to the Old Dart. 

Lower Grades

Holden Cup

It was an inconsistent year for the club's Under 20s, missing the top eight by two wins. In signs that will please coaching staff though, the side missed the fewest tackles of any team in the youth league. Easts Tigers junior Patrick Carrigan was named Best Forward and Player of the Year and is one to keep an eye on over the next few years. 

Intrust Super Cup QLD

Northern affiliate Redcliffe Dolphins were the best performed of Brisbane's four feeder clubs, making it to the grand final. Drawing on the likes of Panthers-bound playmaker Darren Nicholls, utility Aaron Whitchurch and outside backs Pearson and Opacic, the Dolphins won the minor premiership but went down to Burleigh in the decider. It was a marked improvement for the club under new coach Adam Mogg after seventh-placed finish in 2015.

2017 Chances

The Broncos still have the roster to win the premiership. A well-rounded spine with a representative-stacked starting forward pack means that a top four berth should again be the goal. However without the retiring Parker and Jarrod Wallace, Brisbane lack an older head on the bench. Bennett is typically reluctant to give rookie forwards game time but he'll have to throw some of his youngsters in the deep end. How quickly they adapt to the weekly rigours of NRL will be critical to the Broncos' chances.

2017 Best Lineup

*based on current signings

1. Darius Boyd
2. Corey Oates
3. Jordan Kahu
4. James Roberts
5. David Mead
6. Anthony Milford
7. Ben Hunt
8. Josh McGuire
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Adam Blair
11. Matt Gillett
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Alex Glenn

14. Kodi Nikorima
15. Mitchell Dodds
16. Tevita Pangai Junior
17. Jai Arrow