2023 Preview: Brisbane Broncos

Embed from Getty Images

Great expectations... again.

The Kevin Walters era has delivered mixed results thus far in Brisbane - and while it looked like a corner was turned, a disastrous final six weeks of the season saw them drop from fourth place to - incredibly - ninth.

The Broncos had spent the bulk of the season entrenched in the middle ranges of the top eight, but losses to the Tigers, Roosters, Storm, Eels and Dragons saw them tumble out of the eight, ultimately missing out by a single win and allowing Canberra to usurp their finals berth.

Brisbane will be pleased they managed to improve their defence in 2022, but they still ended up finishing with a negative differential at the end of the 2022 season. This was largely thanks to two blow-outs in that fateful run of losses late - conceding 50+ to the Storm and Eels in consecutive weeks. The exciting attack mid-season which saw them score 30+ for four straight rounds mid-year counted for little as a result.

Looking ahead, the Broncos have retained the bulk of their roster and made minimal additions - but have ensured their depth is well covered. They also (currently) have a clean bill of health for all but one player heading into Round 1 - pending trials and any training mishaps.

After a tough opening fortnight - premiers Penrith and top four side North Queensland start things off - Brisbane does enjoy a month of games at Suncorp, including a clash with new local rivals the Dolphins.

With the FIFA Women's World Cup looming in the back end of the season, the Broncos will leave the comforts of Suncorp to share The Gabba with their AFL counterparts Brisbane Lions. Three home games are scheduled for the oval-shaped ground, starting with the Dolphins in Round 18, before both the Roosters and Eels have a go.

That Eels match forms part of a tricky run home that sees the Broncos travel to Canberra in the penultimate game of the year, finishing at home against bogey team Melbourne.

All up, it presents a completely unpredictable conundrum... which kind of sums up Brisbane's last several years, doesn't it?

Why They'll Win It

Quality of roster. With Reynolds having a year under his belt at Red Hill, Walsh returning after a couple of seasons across the ditch, and some good additional depth signings, the six-time premiers are in a great position to push for their seventh title.

Then there's the forward pack - Payne Haas and Patty Carrigan headline a pack that boasts plenty of impact and rep quality. That's been bolstered by the signing of veteran prop Martin Taupau, who'll provide great bench depth for Brisbane following the off-season departure of the likes of Rhys Kennedy and Zac Hosking.

Why They Won't

Staying power. You'd think a team named for a wild horse wouldn't have trouble going the distance, but as evidenced in 2022, Brisbane dropped away in the last month of the season - and badly. Once Origin is over, coach Walters will need to ensure the team retains focus right through to September.

Key Players

With Reynolds' quality not up for debate, it'll be an important season for Ezra Mam. After a breakout season in 2022, Mam will be looking to capitalise and not fall victim to second-year syndrome.

Walsh's return will also be key after the Broncos struggled for several seasons to settle on a fullback - experiments with both Jamayne Isaako and Tesi Niu having failed in recent years.

Rookies to watch

The hooker role is still somewhat problematic at Red Hill, but in 2023 we could see academy product Blake Mozer stamp his claim for the #9 jumper. Coming through the grades with plenty of wraps, he'll have both Billy Walters and Cory Paix looking over their shoulders.

Elsewhere, Deine Mariner will be fighting for a backline spot as his stocks rise, after managing to debut late in 2022.

Player Movements

Gains: Jesse Arthars (return from loan to Warriors), Jock Madden (Wests Tigers), Reece Walsh (Warriors), Martin Taupau (Manly)

Losses: Jamayne Isaako (Gold Coast, during 2022), David Mead, Ryan James (retired), Te Maire Martin (Warriors), Brenko Lee, Tesi Niu (Dolphins), Tyson Gamble (Newcastle), Zac Hosking (Penrith), Jake Turpin (Sydney), Albert Kelly (Redcliffe), Rhys Kennedy (Hull KR), Tyrone Roberts (Burleigh)

2023 squad

Round 1 potential line-up

A strong-looking side should take the field. Pending trials aside, only Kobe Hetherington is on the injury list at this stage. TC Robati remains stood down by the club after being charged by Queensland Police shortly after Christmas. He is not expected to be available.

1. Reece Walsh
2. Corey Oates
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Ezra Mam
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Tom Flegler
9. Billy Walters
10. Payne Haas
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Jordan Riki
13. Patrick Carrigan

Interchange: Cory Paix, Martin Taupau, Keenan Palasia, Corey Jensen

2023 Broncos fixtures

Some content with thanks to Rugby League Project.