The Mole: Brisbane Broncos captain Adam Reynolds ‘unfairly vilified’ after heartbreaking grand final defeat….
It’s unlikely that any club since 1908 has gone through a more agonizing off-season than the Broncos are set to go on in the coming months.
Kevin Walters’ side enter the summer with the grim realization that they have won the Premier League… and then saw it go in 14 minutes.
For much of one of the great grand finals, the Broncos were the better team, and when Ezra Mam raced over for a breathtaking hat-trick midway through the second half, even the most passionate Panthers fan thought the three-peat was finished.
However, the Panthers’ big game experience – and the Broncos’ lack of it – kicked in, as Nathan Cleary staged the remarkable escape with three tries to win the game 26-24.
Despite the heartbreak, the Broncos had a fantastic year, going from wooden spooners to within a whisker of the premiership just three years ago.
The squad played excellent attacking football throughout the season, finishing tied for first place with the Panthers after the regular season with 18 victories and only six losses.
Reece Walsh established himself as one of the game’s great superstars, scoring nine tries and setting up several more for his outside players Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, Jesse Arthurs, and Kotoni Staggs.
Mam, who is still only 20, was outstanding at five-eighth, while Adam Reynolds’ leadership and direction were critical in many huge games.
Some detractors have erroneously blamed Reynolds for the Broncos’ late failure in the big dance; without his cool head, the Broncos would never have gotten as far as they did.
Payne Haas continued to set records with his incredible motor, frequently surpassing the running metres and tackle count.
Pat Carrigan, Tom Flegler, Billy Walters, and Jordan Riki all had career-high seasons as the Broncos established themselves as a team to be feared in 2024 and beyond.
It will be unpleasant for the players to sit down and complete their season review, but they will be better for it in the long run and will once again be the Panthers’ biggest threat next season.
It will be unpleasant for the players to sit down and complete their season review, but they will be better for it in the long run and will once again be the Panthers’ biggest threat next season.
Best player: It’s a tie between Haas and Walsh, two players with drastically different approaches and skills, but two of the game’s most interesting talents.
Fletcher Baker is the club’s sole ‘name’ acquisition to yet, and he will face a difficult task replacing Flegler in the engine room.
Gains in 2024: Fletcher Baker (Roosters)
Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Keenan Palasia (Titans), and Tom Flegler (Dolphins) were all lost in 2024.
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