Shaun Berrigan; is he our saviour?
by
Monday August 09, 2004

After Shaun Berrigans match winning performance against the Warriors, I am convinced that Berrigan is the key to the Broncos making a strong charge into the Finals. It’s not just his try scoring ability, or his line breaks or his offloads that will help the Broncos; it’s his mere presence on the field.

Shaun Berrigan was shifted out to centres this year, allowing for a much talented halves pairing of Darren Lockyer and Brett Seymour to guide the team around the park. Berrigan flourished in his new position, with Lockyer feeding clean ball to the strong ball runner with the tactic paying dividends. Berrigan had scored six trys from only eight games. Berrigan had started the season so strongly he was selected as the Australian Test utility for the ANZAC Test against New Zealand.

But disaster struck.

Heading into the round eight game against the Bulldogs, the Broncos form was amazing; looking the strongest since 2000. But during the game, Berrigan injured his hamstring. His injury was the start of a form slump for the Broncos, losing three games from seven matches.

Although after making an early and failed comeback against the Sharks, Berrigan has been slowly regaining his early season form since a successful return against the Rabbitohs. In the game Berrigan scored a try and the Broncos scored a total of forty eight points. That game was the start of what is now a six game winning streak. Next week it will be the Broncos and Berrigans toughest challenge this season. Berrigan will have to mark Jamaal Lolesi, and the Broncos will have to end the Bulldogs nine game winning streak. I can’t wait for what should be the battle for the minor premiership and a cracker of a game.

But I do know one thing, if Shaun Berrigan is fit for the finals, we’ll be a strong force in the finals!