What Went Wrong for the Brisbane Broncos in 2024?

Article by Burgz

As the Brisbane Broncos stood on the cusp of glory, poised to lift the Proven Summons Trophy, the 2024 season promised to be their crowning achievement. With a dynamic young squad led by an experienced premiership-winning halfback and a coach deeply embedded in the club’s history, everything seemed set for success. But as the season unfolded, it became clear that something had gone amiss. Here’s a detailed look at what went wrong for the Broncos this year.

Recruitment and Retention

Player Departures:

• Herbie Farnworth: A standout performer in 2023, Farnworth’s departure left a void in the centres. His powerful runs and post-contact metres were sorely missed.
• Kurt Capewell: A puzzling loss given the Broncos’ lack of depth in the second row. Capewell’s experience and his achievements, including State of Origin and premiership wins, were significant losses, seemingly sacrificed due to salary cap constraints.
• Tom Flegler: While his appearances for the Dolphins were limited, Flegler was part of a strong forward trio with Haas and Carrigan last season. His absence, along with Palasia’s, weakened the forward rotation.
• Keenan Palasia: Though not a marquee name, Palasia played 20 games in 2023 and was crucial to the forward rotation. His departure left a gap in the middle of the field.

Incoming Players:

• Fletcher Baker: Brought in as a replacement, Baker struggled for game time with the Roosters. Despite the potential, his impact has been limited, and the Broncos failed to adequately replace the departing experience and talent.

Key Statistics

2023 Performance:

• Post Contact Metres (PCM): 2nd
• Kick Return Metres: 2nd
• Set Completion Percentage: 8th

In 2023, the Broncos excelled in getting out of their own end and showed resilience through contact. Their set completion was respectable, though plagued by errors.

2024 Performance:

• PCM: 12th
• Kick Return Metres: 8th
• Set Completion Percentage: Last

The drop in PCM and set completion percentage highlights a decline in their ability to advance the ball and complete sets. The loss of key players like Farnworth and Flegler significantly impacted these metrics. Despite Selwyn Cobbo's efforts in Farnworth's old position, overall performance has suffered.

Defensively, the Broncos have dropped from 3rd in 2023 to 11th, reflecting issues with containment and game management.

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Coaching and Attitude

Kevin Walters’ Challenge:

• In his fourth year as Broncos coach, Walters is under scrutiny. Despite inheriting a roster with potential, his tenure has been marked by missed finals and a narrow grand final loss in 2023.
• This season has seen the Broncos falter in crucial games, with the team struggling to adapt and hold players accountable. Walters' coaching record stands at 48 wins and 47 losses, indicating room for improvement in management and strategy.
• Recent comments about the team being "flat" suggest a lack of clarity on addressing the core issues.

Injuries

Injuries have undeniably affected the Broncos' season:

• Adam Reynolds: Missing 11 games, Reynolds' absence has been particularly detrimental, raising questions about the wisdom of extending his contract given his injury history.
• Reece Walsh: Fractured his face earlier in the season.
• Payne Haas: Missed 5 games early in the season, affecting games against key opponents like Penrith and Melbourne.
• Piakura and Jesse Arthurs: Both had notable injury spells, impacting team performance.

These injuries, often coinciding, meant the Broncos rarely fielded their strongest 13. The lack of depth and consistency in player availability has hindered their overall performance.

Summary

Despite the challenges of 2024, the Brisbane Broncos have the talent and potential to rebound. Addressing recruitment gaps, refining coaching strategies, and managing injuries better will be crucial for their return to form. With a mix of youth and experience, the Broncos have the foundation to achieve their goals in the future.

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