The Brisbane Broncos are on the verge of one of the most dramatic falls from grace in recent memory.
Less than 12 months after winning the NRL premiership, the Broncos are facing the grim reality of becoming the first reigning premiers to miss out on making the finals the following season since the Wests Tigers in 2006.
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Losing their last five consecutive matches, the Broncos have slipped to 12th place on the ladder and the chances of going back-to-back – or even making the NRL Finals series – are hanging up by a thread.
“They’re gone. They’re gone. They’re herding towards one of the biggest disasters for a reigning premier we’ve seen in 20 years,” foxsports.com.au’s Paul Crawley said.
“The fact of the matter is that there hasn’t been a reigning premier that’s missed the finals since the Tigers missed it in 2006 after winning the comp in 2005.
“This just shows how rare it is and they’re at that stage now that they’ve let themselves down in recent times.
“Even if they sneak into the finals, they can’t lose one more game of their remaining games to finish top four; they’re gone and it’s been an absolute slide off a cliff.”
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The Broncos’ downfall has been particularly surprising, given that they have one of the best rosters in the NRL.
However, Crawley revealed that the departure of assistant coach Ben Te’o and the future exit of Payne Haas at the start of the year is having a lingering effect on the rest of the squad.
“It goes back to Payne Haas in the pre-season. You look at the incident with Ben Te’o and the fact that he’s gone, their defensive coach,” Crawley continued.
“It’s so many things at that club just don’t add up at the moment, and Ezra Mam is another one.
“This has gone beyond must-win for this club and the bloke that was the second best player in the grand final is sitting on the bench.”
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While Crawley explained that they might not make the finals this season, News Corp reporter David Riccio pointed out that not only is their current form concerning, but it also shows concerns for their long-term future.
“My concern is right here and now in the present is real, but I have longer-term fears for the Broncos,” Riccio said.
“Adam Reynolds is on his way out. Payne Haas is on his way out, Pat Carrigan, we’re not to sure about his long-term future. I’m worried about their leadership with (them) leaving.”
“What’s concerning with this major franchise is this premiership window is shrinking by the minute and I fear for next year big time.
“When you look at the Penrith and Melbourne they stay there entrenched with premiership aspirations and not for the Broncos.”