With that extraordinary comeback against the minor premiers two weeks ago in Canberra still fresh in everyone’s minds, a potentially even bigger test faces the Brisbane Broncos this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium in the Preliminary Final.
Just as against the Raiders, the Broncos are underdogs with the Bookies despite being at home. SEE VIDEO HERE.
The Bronco’s 14th man, the Suncorp faithful, will need to be at their most inspiring best to drag the boys home in this one. The Panthers have been on an absolute tear since starting the season with only two wins from their first eight games.
The Panthers have won 9 out of their last 10 games against the Broncos.
However, the notorious defensive weakness of the Panthers on the left edge, and the ability of Kotoni Staggs to exploit such opportunities, appears a big edge.
Gus Gould felt the Bulldogs should have exploited that more last week and there’s no doubt To’o, Sorensen, Talagi and McLean will be fully expectant of a Tsunami of offense coming their way.
On the other side of the coin, six first half tries at Accor Stadium against the Bulldogs was a demonstration of the Panthers attacking flair and the Broncos defense will need to be at it’s absolute best to mitigate Nathan Cleary and co.
That specific issue with Reynolds, Mam, Cobbo, Willison, Madden and Gosiewski back all at the same time — we can only trust that Madge has that sextet match hardened to be ready for this huge game. It’s highly likely that all six will improve for the outing if the Broncos make it to the Grand Final.
How fit is Payne Haas? Can Reece Walsh recycle the determination burning inside him when he came back on from the Sin Bin in Canberra? How much will the Broncos miss Paddy Carrigan and Billy Walters? Both have been in great form and will certainly be missed.
Huge conjecture about Adam Reynolds coming back(the Broncos have won all five games without him) and his apparent lack of sync with Reece Walsh, feels like a media beat up and we back Reyno all the way to help Walsh and his team-mates find holes in the Panthers defence.
Has Selwyn Cobbo’s stint at Wynnum Manly, got him ready for this one?
It’s 19 years since the Broncos last won a Premiership. If they can end the 2025 hopes of the Cleary family, they will be one game away.
The game will be broadcast live on Sunday on Nine, Nine Now, Kayo and Foxtel. Kick off is at 4.05pm.
Published 25-Sept-2025
