Reynolds Kicks Cowboys to loss
40 mins ago | Andrew Ferguson
This season was a history making one for Brisbane but unfortunately for
supporters, it won't be a fondly remembered chapter. 2010 saw the
Broncos' proud finals record come to a crashing halt as, for the first
time in nineteen seasons, the club failed to qualify for September
footy.
A rollercoaster year can best be described as consistently
inconsistent. It wasn't without its highs (think crashing Melbourne's
AAMI Park opening party and the Round 21 dousing of St George at
Suncorp) but also featured some crushing lows including late season
thrashings at the hands of Newcastle and New Zealand when a top eight
spot was within reach.
Patchy performances and defensive issues can largely be attributed to a
rookie roster - the Broncos boasted the youngest NRL squad in 2010 -
but somewhat paradoxically, the same talented youth has fans viewing
2010 with a sense of optimism.
Season summary
Brisbane kick started their season in style thanks to Denan Kemp, whose
stunning sideline dash snatched a late 30-24 win over North Queensland
in the annual Queensland opening derby. Unfortunately, the euphoria was
temporary - a rather lacklustre two month period followed, with the
Broncos only winning one (against fellow strugglers Cronulla) of their
next seven. The side dropped to fourteenth position and were in serious
danger of a horror year in the doldrums. With a lack of forward muscle
attributed as a reason for poor form, the club snared the mid-season
services of hulking Wakefield Trinity Wildcats prop Shane Tronc, who
debuted in Brisbane colours in Round Seven.
The under siege Broncos then travelled to Melbourne in Round Nine and
were expected to be easy pickings for a Storm side celebrating the
opening of AAMI Park. Remarkably, Brisbane produced arguably their most
polished victory (34-16) of the year, inspiring a five match winning
streak. But inconsistency resurfaced - the side alternated wins and
losses throughout June and July - leaving the Broncos teetering on the
brink of the eight in early August.
With the finals looming, a bumper Suncorp Stadium crowd saw Brisbane
return to their determined best in a 10-6 Round 21 shutout of eventual
premiers St. George Illawarra. Followed by a strong win over the
Cowboys, it had appeared the Broncos had turned the corner at the right
moment. But rather than rejoicing, fans were left holding their breath
- a rib cartilage complaint threatened to end the season of skipper
Darren Lockyer. The injury proved the nail in the coffin of the
inspirational five-eighth's season and also spelled the end for the
Broncos.
Missing the leadership and composure of Lockyer, Brisbane's fight for
finals footy nosedived alarmingly with four consecutive losses.
Thrashings on the road against ruthless Newcastle (16-44) and Warriors
outfits (4-36) were the lowest points in a forgettable four weeks.
However, despite a poor ending, Brisbane locals remained steadfast in
support of their team - the home crowd average of 35,032 was the second
highest in seven years at Suncorp. And, although results weren't always
rosy, a exciting batch of talented rookies left supporters with plenty
to cheer about.
Best players
The 2009 departure of Karmichael Hunt left the Broncos in the
unfamiliar position of looking for a fulltime custodian. However, that
search didn't take long to unearth the 22-year old Josh Hoffman. In his
first full season in the NRL, he displayed watertight defence at the
back and returned the ball with vigour, akin to his AFL-playing
predecessor. Hoffman deservedly dominated Brisbane's end of season
awards winning Player of the Year, Players' Player and Most Improved.
Second rower Sam Thaiday was undoubtedly the leader of the pack. He
combined his trademark bustling surges with increased endurance and
routinely played close to 80 minutes. However, as was the case with the
rest of the team, Thaiday lost some spark towards the backend of the
year.
Young guns
As mentioned, Hoffman's season at fullback was the highlight but there
were also a number of eye catching performances from Broncos'
youngsters. In his stunning debut season, Matt Gillett claimed the NRL
Rookie of the Year Award. The utility's fringe running and ball playing
ability saw him touted as an Origin bolter. Although he didn't earn
Queensland selection he looks set to cement a position in the backrow
at Brisbane over the coming years after inking a 3-year deal.
The Broncos U20s showed glimpses of brilliance but were also plagued by
defensive lapses and finished tenth on the NYC ladder. Nonetheless,
four players - Dane Gagai, Gerard Beale, Tariq Sims and Corey Norman -
represented the Junior Kangaroos post-season. Beale (10 games) and
playmaker Norman (12 games) both tasted NRL action in 2010, while Sims
and Gagai dominated at Under 20 level. Sims claimed the NRL Toyota Cup
Player of the Year award and is considered one of the best prop
prospects in the game. Unfortunately for the Broncos, Tariq joins older
brother Ashton in Cowboys colours in 2011. The elusive Gagai tormented
defences from fullback and regularly topped metres gained and tackle
breaks - he will press for an NRL berth in 2011.
Underachievers
In a tenth-placed finish, there are inevitably players who fail to live
up to expectations and, to be blunt, Ashton Sims was again a
disappointment. Brisbane's lack of quality go-forward should have been
the catalyst for Sims to step up and fill the void - instead, he spend
most of the time languishing in the Queensland Cup. However, whether
his non selection was a case of poor attitude or a lack of faith from
coach Henjak remains to be seen.
In the playmaking stakes, Peter Wallace failed to deliver quality
creativeness especially when, in the absence of Lockyer, it was needed
the most. The halfback has proven to be a solid distributor but with
curtains starting to draw on the Lockyer era he needs to take more
responsibility.
2011 prospects
Brisbane enter next season with a more settled top seventeen compared
to recent campaigns, with the club focusing on youth development over
signing imports.Notably, Israel Folau has left to embark on an AFL
odyssey but his departure will be offset by the comeback of Justin
Hodges, who missed the entirety of 2010 with an achilles injury.
Antonio Winterstein and Sims are heading to Townsville, while devout
Mormon Lagi Setu is leaving to undertake a missionary stint. Former
Bronco Ben Hannant is the one big name signing - he returns from
Belmore, giving a needed boost to the club's front row. But most
importantly, Brisbane's rookies will be one year wiser and determined
not to miss a top eight berth two seasons in succession.
2011 best lineup
1. Josh Hoffman 2. Denan Kemp 3. Alex Glenn 4. Justin Hodges 5. Jharal
Yow Yeh 6. Darren Lockyer (c) 7. Peter Wallace 8. Ben Hannant 9. Andrew
McCullough 10. Shane Tronc 11. Ben Te'o 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Ben Hunt 15. Matt Gillett 16. Scott Anderson 17. Nick Kenny
Coach: Ivan Henjak
The vital stats
Finished: 10th
Played: 24 matches (2 byes)
Won: 11 matches
Lost: 13 matches
Points for: 508 points
Points against: 535 points
Points differential: -27
Top pointscorer: Corey Parker (lock) - 142 points [1 try, 69 goals]
Top tryscorer: Israel Folau (centre) - 20 tries
Club player of the year
Josh Hoffman (fullback)