Brisbane Broncos Mid-Season Report Card

Having failed to deliver on expectations at Newcastle, many Broncos supporters were wary of bringing Wayne Bennett back to Brisbane; but if the first half of 2015 is any indication, the Broncos may be headed towards their first Grand Final in close to a decade.

While their opening round loss to reigning champions South Sydney left much to be desired, Brisbane have consistently aimed up ever since to lead the competition courtesy of strong goal-line defence and an attacking flair not seen since the retirement of Darren Lockyer.

With coach favourite Darius Boyd returning to Brisbane, the Broncos have been blessed with a wealth of options in the backline, while Bennett's decision to blood young forwards in preparation of the always crucial Origin period proved a masterstroke, coming back from an early deficit to win in Newcastle.

After a slow start to 2015, former Raider Anthony Milford has produced a number of polished performances in recent weeks alongside Ben Hunt in the halves, while Andrew McCullough has provided great service out of dummy-half, establishing a platform for the Broncos to build their success around.

Positives:
Unable to develop any momentum throughout 2014, Brisbane have improved at closing out tight matches, whilst also being capable of taking advantage of weaker opponents. Widely expected to fall short against the Roosters, Brisbane showed tremendous grit to take the game to extra time before Ben Hunt stepped up to seal the game with a dashing try, while their last-minute victory over Penrith courtesy of a Corey Oates four-pointer may have seen the Broncos get out a jail, but nonetheless, the Queensland powerhouse finds a way to win.

Negatives:
Throughout Wayne Bennett's first tenure as coach during the mid-2000s, the Broncos were known for starting seasons in flying form, before failing to make a mark in the finals. While the days of Brisbane being without as many as 11 players during the representative season are unlikely to be seen again; the six players involved in Queensland's Origin series will need to find a way to lift for the finals.

Best Player:
For a player who has played over 300 games in the forwards, you could be forgiven for thinking Corey Parker was past his prime. Contrary to belief, Parker has only gotten better with age, with the 33-year old becoming a mainstay of representative side, while his form for the Broncos continues to keep his younger colleagues honest when the game is in the balance. Signed on for 2016, Parker will be looking to finish his career in the NRL with a second premiership, after playing against the Storm in the 2006 decider.

Predicted Finish:
Much will depend on how the Broncos fare post-Origin, with six games at home and a bye in hand; Wayne Bennett can rest assured that Brisbane will finish in the top eight. Ending the season with matches against the Bulldogs, Dragons, Roosters, Rabbitohs and Storm will be a huge test, but if the Broncos can finish over the top of their closest rivals, they will take huge confidence going into the playoffs.
Top 4 finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 10
Lost: 3
Bye: 1
Points Scored: 297 (2nd)
Points Conceded: 214 (4th)
Placed: 1st
Overall Ranking: 1st

Season So Far

Round 1 Broncos 6 v 36 Rabbitohs

Round 2 Sharks 2 v 10 Broncos

Round 3 Broncos 44 v 22 Cowboys

Round 4 Warriors 16 v 24 Broncos

Round 5 Titans 16 v 26 Broncos

Round 6 Broncos 22 v 18 Roosters

Round 7 Dragons 12 v 10 Broncos

Round 8 Broncos 28 v 16 Eels

Round 9 Broncos 8 v 5 Panthers

Round 10 Cowboys 31 v 20 Broncos

Round 11 Knights 18 v 31 Broncos

Round 12 Raiders 12 v 24 Broncos

Round 13 Broncos 44 v 10 Sea Eagles