Broncos Slump To 4th Straight Loss
by
Monday August 18, 2003

Gutless, Unenthusiastic and lazy. Just three of many words that can describe the Broncos pathetic 2-point loss to the Wests Tigers on Saturday night. It was a demoralizing display of Rugby League by the 5 time premiership winning Broncos, and it would seem the trend will continue next week if changes to the team aren't made, as the Broncos cross the Tasman to play the Warriors next Sunday afternoon.

After last week's performance against the Panthers, I really thought we were closer to a win. But that wasn't the case. We were back to our old bad habits. Lazy, unenthusiastic and gutless.

I won't discuss how bad our attack is because I think it's quite obvious to everyone now. It's disjointed, it's unbalanced, and it's just a big jimble jumble. Without Lockyer, we've got nothing in attack, and we're now 13th in the competition as far as our attack goes.

Firstly, Berrigan can't be in the halves whatsoever. Play him at lock. He can act as a ball playing forward. Something we've lacked over the year. Berrigan isn't a ball player, but he can still throw a pass or two, so Berrigan at lock would be perfect. And least if Shaun's at lock, he won't be able to ruin a backline movement like he has in the past. He hasn't just got the brain to play halfback. McGuire is a much smarter player, with all due respect to Berrigan who means a lot to the team. But this is just reality. Berrigan doesn't posses any halfback skills whatsoever, so the responsibility shouldn't be placed on his shoulders, therefore having him at lock would be a brilliant move.

Mcguire at halfback, and Ikin at 5/8, as he is returning this week. McGuire can at least sense out a good opportunity sometimes, and has much better ball skills than Berrigan. It's a change that should be made. It can't hurt can it? It's worth a try, really it is. I wouldn't make the halves situation any worse. Give it a go I say.

Carlaw and Webb should be on the bench used as impact players. Neither player seems to have any effect whatsoever when starting the game. They play the first 20 with everything they've got, then for the rest of the match they don't get any decent go-forward at all. They're much suited coming on after 20-30 minutes and making an impact. Especially Webb.

Andrew Gee needs to learn a bit of discipline. He's cost us 1 penalty each week. It's cost us big time a few weeks ago, and he can't afford to give away so many penalty's.

Michael De Vere should return to the centres, where he belongs. He had a safe, brilliant game against the Panthers, but on Saturday night, his confidence would have been shattered after a shocker. It's best to have him in the centres.

Tonie Carroll needs to work on his match fitness, big time. For half an hour, he puts the big hits on and he's brilliant in defence. After that, he looks tired and seems less enthusiastic. I think he needs to trim down a bit, and work on his stamina. It will do him good in the log run. Maybe have him on the bench and have him come on late in the first half.

So they're the changes I would make. I believe Lockyer could be back this week, but nothing's certain, no here is my team for this week. (Considering Lockyer is out still). Also, I think Duggan is fit to play? If not, then De Vere back to fullback, Mcguire in the centre's, and Swain at halfback, Berrigan to hooker. It's a gamble, but it couldn't possibly do much damage. Worth a try.

1.Duggan
2. Frawly
3.Tate
4.De Vere
5.Kelly
6.Ikin
7.McGuire
8.Webcke
9.Swain
10.Gee
11.Parker
12.Civoniceva
13.Berrigan

14.Stagg
15.Webb
16.Carlaw
17.Carroll

Lets hope the Broncos can turn it all around this week and surprise the Warriors. We can't afford to lose 5 in a row, because staying in 5th spot is what we should concentrate on at the moment. Any lower, and it's a chance we could be knocked out in the first week of the finals.

Dragons Vs Storm - Storm by 10
Panthers Vs Tigers - Panthers by 20
Eels Vs Sharks - Eels by 12
Cowboys Vs Rabbitohs - Cowboys by 16
Warriors Vs Broncos - Broncos by 2
Raiders Vs Knights - Raiders by 20
Roosters Vs Eagles - Roosters by 26

Cheers,
Rocky