2017 Preview | Brisbane Broncos

Entering his third year back at the helm, Wayne Bennett faces a pivotal campaign as the Broncos look to overcome the retirement of Corey Parker and deliver on their potential.

Blessed with the most envied draw in the league, the pride of Brisbane will looking to make amends for two agonising season where so much was promised to no avail. Headlined by a first class spine and representative forward pack, the addition of several new faces in the backline as well as the undetermined quality of Benji Marshall should ensure the Broncos remain a competitive force.

Starting 2016 in dynamic fashion, the Broncos were headed to go one better than their heartbreaking Grand Final loss to the Cowboys, producing a string of impressive performances including a bittersweet victory over their northern rivals on Good Friday. Sitting atop the premiership ladder heading into the representative season, the tide began to turn as the loss of six Queensland stars alongside a long-term injury to centre Jack Reed resulted in a drop down to sixth. Enduring a bitter July featuring blowout scorelines and a demoralising loss to cellar dwellars Sydney, the Broncos rekindled their desire to fall just short of a top four finish, but with five consecutive victories heading into September the quest to go one better appeared within grasp. Disregarding defence to outlast the Titans in a high-scoring elimination final, a trip to Townsville the following week proved to be a bridge too far for the Broncos. With both sides forced to give more than they had throughout a titanic 90-minute clash, the Broncos ultimately fell short, drawing a close to the career of club legend Corey Parker.

With Darius Boyd widely expected to take over the mantle of captaincy, Brisbane will commence their 2017 campaign against newly crowned champions Cronulla in the season opener. With more than half their matches televised on Thursday or Friday, the Broncos will be hoping to benefit on their regular turn-around to chalk up points leading into the crucial Origin period. With five incumbent Maroons and the likes of Anthony Milford on the precipice of state selection, Brisbane will have to endure just one match without their stars, however the mid-season slump may also provide Benji Marshall the platform to revitalise the Broncos heading into the final stretch. Rounding out 2017 in Townsville, a run of three straight appearances at Suncorp leading into the Round 26 grudge match should have Wayne Bennett's charges prepared for another tilt at the title.

Why They'll Win It

With more than half the NRL squad featuring for state or country in representative football, coach Wayne Bennett has assembled a side brimming with class. Recruiting four international outside backs, the Broncos will have plenty of strike waiting in reserve to complement a starting side as good as any in the league. Likewise the acquisition of returning forwards Mitchell Dodds and Korbin Sims should ensure opponents have little respite with their impact off the bench. Retaining much of the core squad that has produced consistently over the past two seasons, the continual development from the likes of Boyd, Milford, Hunt and McCullough should give supporters cause for optimism heading into the new year.

Why They Won't

For all the quality the Broncos boast, there can be no denying the impact left by Corey Parker's retirement. Seemingly improving with every game played, the ball-playing lock was on track to surpass former teammate Darren Lockyer's league record for games played with another season under his belt. Opting to retire just shy of 350 first grade games, the Broncos face an uphill battle to fill the void left by such an experienced veteran. With the likes of Josh McGuire, Jai Arrow and Alex Glenn all in contention to take over the #13 jersey, the absence of a game changing forward will likely cruel the Broncos hopes for premiership glory.

Key Players

While he may be set to head south on a lucrative multi-year deal with the Dragons, halfback Ben Hunt will be hoping to end his time in Brisbane on a high note. Having bided away as an interchange utility, the 26-year-old proved that when given a chance he was a more than capable starting halfback, possessing the skills to make a good club great. Forming a deadly combination alongside Anthony Milford following Wayne Bennett's return, the crafty playmaker looms as the man to lead the Broncos towards another October appearance. Enduring an enigmatic 2016, Hunt will be out to recapture the form that saw him represent the Kangaroos, while leaving a parting premiership gift for long-time supporters.

Rookies To Watch

Debuting late in 2016, young flyer Jonas Pearson will be out to cement a starting position in the Brisbane backline after impressing in his limited game time. With three games to his name, including two finals, the 21-year-old outside back should figure prominently throughout the season as the Broncos look to find a permanent replacement for the retired Jack Reed. Off-contract at the end of the season, look for Pearson to attract a healthy pay rise with a series of strong showings when given his opportunity in the top grade.

Player Movements

Gains | Mitchell Dodds (Warrington Wolves), Benji Marshall (St. George Illawarra Dragons), David Mead (Gold Coast Titans), Tautau Moga (North Queensland Cowboys), Moses Pangai (Townsville Blackhawks), Korbin Sims (Newcastle Knights).

Losses | Greg Eden (Castleford Tigers), Lachlan Maranta (Queensland Reds), Corey Parker (retired), Jack Reed (retired), Jarrod Wallace (Gold Coast Titans).

Best Lineup

1. Darius Boyd (C)
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. Sam Thaiday
12. Matt Gillett
13. Alex Glenn

14.  Mitchell Dodds
15. Korbin Sims
16. Jai Arrow
17. Kodi Nikorima

2017 Draw

Click the image below to see the Broncos' full NRL season draw.