Youngsters On Show in 2004
by Michael McLucas by
Wednesday January 21, 2004

It has now been more than 6 months since we saw the Broncos win a game and nothing much has happened in the off-season to make the fans believe that they can turn it all around. Of course, nothing can happen if you're not playing football,  so we'll just have to wait and see what the playing roster can do for the Broncos this season. It is quite an interesting roster actually. There are a few new faces there, along with faces we have become familiar with.

There are the likes of Darren Lockyer, Gorden Tallis, Shane Webcke and Michael De Vere, whose talent we are aware of and there are the ones who didn't really shine at Broncos level in 2003, but did wonders for the Clydesdales, such as Barry Berrigan, Craig Frawley and David Stagg. And finally, there are the new kids on the block such as Karmichael Hunt, Berrick Barnes and Tom Learoyd.

So since we are coming towards the start of the season, it is time to start thinking how the Broncos can use this squad of players to its full potential. Here's my two bobs worth on what I think the starting 17 should look like in round 1, and what it may look like at the end of the season.

Berrick Barnes

Called into the Broncos Elite Squad at just 17 years of age, Barnes is an exciting young prospect from Ipswich, with both a Rugby League and Union background. A halfback/five-eighth (something the Broncos desperately need), he looks like a huge talent, but not quite ready for Broncos level just yet, especially after missing the 2003 season through injury.

Position in round 1: Clydesdales
Position in round 26: Clydesdales, maybe with a game for the Baby Broncos against his name

Barry Berrigan

One of the Clydesdales best in 2003, the older brother of Shaun Berrigan has an opportunity for a full-time hooking role at the Broncos in 2004, due to the departure of specialist hooker Richard Swain to English Club Hull. Showed some sparks in his stints for the Broncos in 2003 and is definitely an asset to the Broncos squad. One young star, who will be mentioned later in this article, may be in his way of the Broncos number 9 jersey though.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Clydesdales, with a handful of Broncos games to his credit.

Shaun Berrigan

Berro has become one of the Broncos main strike weapons over his time with the club. His ability to break the line amazes most, and he can play in almost any position as one of the NRL's best utility players. However, Shaun did not have his best season in 2003 when trying to fill the shoes of champion halfback Allan Langer. His style of football just wasn't suited to that position, but could, in a way, be suited to any other position in Rugby League. Berrigan started off as a centre for the Broncos, and would be perfect in that position.

Round 1: Centre
Round 26: Centre

Dane Carlaw

Now a bit of a veteran at the Broncos, Carlaw really needs to step up and try to be more consistent if he is to become somewhat of a new "Raging Bull." In 2000, he looked the goods for the future, and seasons 2001 and 2002 didn't do that reputation any damage. However, in 2003, Carlaw appeared to some as lazy, and some statistics backed that up. But when he performed, he was outstanding. He has the speed to play in the centres, and should use that when playing in the second row.

Round 1: Second Row
Round 26: Second Row

Tonie Carroll

He was supposed to be the number one buy for Season 2003, but Carroll was nowhere near his damaging best. Two outstanding trial games got fans excited, but he only had the occasional standout game, which makes his selection for Queensland's State of Origin side somewhat of a mystery. Carroll can be awesome, however, when he just gets into it. He can put on some big hits and can break the line with his huge surges of power. He will struggle to keep his spot in the regular 17, but I hope he proves me wrong. I know how awesome he can be.

Round 1: Lock
Round 26: Clydesdales, with some games on the bench

Petero Civoniceva

Along with hardman Shane Webcke, Petero was the Broncos' best forward in 2003, and by far the most consistent. 3 State of Origin appearances and games in the green and gold were some highlights of Civoniceva's year, performing to his best at Broncos, State and International level. He certainly is a key to the success of the forward pack, and will be looked to when the pack needs inspiration if Tallis is unavailable.

Round 1: Prop
Round 26: Prop

Neville Costigan

The young back rower from Papua New Guinea had 2 appearances off the bench for the Broncos in 2003, against St George in round 26 and against Penrith, where the Broncos were put out of the title race. But in those two stints, Costigan impressed fans greatly, and took out the award for Broncos Rookie of the Year, so looks set to work his way into the regular 17 in the next couple of years.

Round 1: Bench for the Broncos
Round 26: Bench for the Broncos

Michael De Vere

De Vere had the best year of his career in 2003, and it was rewarded with 3 appearances for New South Wales and 3 for Australia. In those games, his defence was superb, particularly in game 2 for Australia against Great Britain, where he safely contained dangerous centre Keith Senior, something Phil Bailey couldn't do. De Vere was one of the Broncos best last season, and should be a certainty every week in the backline. De Vere is also one of the game's best goal kickers.

Round 1: Winger
Round 26: Winger

Craig Frawley

Frawley's attacking ability wasn't evident in 2003 for the Broncos, but for the Clydesdales he did what he was supposed to do - score tries. He just couldn't convert that from Stadium Toowoomba to Suncorp Stadium, and beyond. One game against St George-Illawarra highlighted his attacking ability, but other than that, he never really got involved. However, it was a brave effort by the 23-year-old, having spent the last 2 years on the sideline because of a knee injury, which he had reconstructed. If Frawls gets his way, he can work his way into the Broncos' regular 17, but he will have to work hard.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Clydesdales, with a handful of appearances for the Broncos

Karmichael Hunt (pictured)

This kid is one with big expectations already from fans, who has starred in appearances for the Junior Kangaroos at fullback. Hunt can also play in the centres or on the wing, and is often referred to as a "prodigious talent." If Hunt makes an appearance early in the season for the Broncos, he will be the youngest to ever take the field for the club.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Wing

Stuart Kelly

Stu didn't miss a game for the Broncos in 2003, and had his best season since joining the club in 2001. He found his way to the tryline on 8 occasions, and defence was of a high standard. However, Kelly will find it difficult to keep his spot on the wing for the Broncos in 2004, because of up-and-coming talent Karmichael Hunt. But if he does his best and does the winger's job to its best, he should be able to retain it.

Round 1: Wing
Round 26: Clydesdales

Tom Learoyd

The big second rower is set to make his mark at the Broncos in 2004, and his fitness is as good as you will see at a football club. The 192cm giant was a star for the Australian Schoolboys and New South Wales Under 19's in 2003 and should get very settled in at his new home in Red Hill. Give him a couple of years to develop into a full-time Broncos player, but after that couple of years, who knows what will come to him? An Origin or Test jumper? Maybe.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Clydesdales, with at least an appearance for the Baby Broncos in his favour

Darren Lockyer

There really is no need to predict where Locky will play in 2003. He is, after all, the best fullback in the game, and arguably the world's best player. Locky was surely missed for 5 games of the Broncos' 8 game losing streak in 2003 and will try hard not to be injured again. It could be said that the Broncos can't win without Lockyer. Statistics would agree. Lockyer's appearances of captain for Australia in Great Britain last year showed what leadership skills he had, as he led the Aussies to victory on all 3 occasions, and on all occasions the Aussies well and truly could have lost.

Round 1: Fullback
Round 26: Fullback

Casey McGuire

No doubt the Broncos' best support player, McGuire has a habit of getting over the tryline, just trailing with Lockyer, Berrigan etc on the way to a four-pointer. The opportunity is there for Casey to make the five-eighth position his own, due to the retirement of Ben Ikin. However, McGuire has served the Broncos superbly off the bench for 2 seasons now, so I wouldn't change that.

Round 1: Bench
Round 26: Bench

Bradley Meyers

Along with Carlaw, Meyers is one who has to step up in 2004, after a disappointing 2003 filled with handling errors and ineffective hit-ups. Meyers doesn't want to play off the bench, but I for one wouldn't think he could be put anywhere else, if he is to play for the Broncos. Tallis and Carlaw's should lock up the second-row positions, and lock wouldn't really suit "Big Red."

Round 1: Bench
Round 26: Clydesdales

Scott Minto

Minto twice scored match winning tries in 2003, one against Canberra and one in the memorable win over Melbourne in Golden Point, the last time the Broncos won a game. Minto's defence, however, is something that won't go to his advantage. Often clubs like to attack his side of the field, and often they succeed with a try. Scott may be one of the Broncos' regular wingers in 2004, but I would say it's unlikely.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Clydesdales, maybe with a handful of appearances for the Broncos

Corey Parker

Corey Parker? Where? I can only see someone who looks like Corey Parker, but it can't be him. He has hair. No, that is Corey Parker. Hope we can say, new look, same old attitude. Because Parker was nothing short of great for the Broncos in 2003, and his talent is unquestionable. I feel he is best played off the bench, and he showed that at the start of the year. Could an appearance for Queensland be on the cards for Parker this year?

Round 1: Bench
Round 26: Bench

Michael Ryan

Earlier in the article, I mentioned that someone would be in the way of Barry Berrigan's hooking role at the Broncos. Michael Ryan is that someone. Ryan is a freakish talent, whose career was marred by a knee injury in 2002 against Newcastle. Hopefully Ryan can be like Richard Swain was to Melbourne before he came up here, but no doubt Ryan's attacking abilities are simply awesome. Ryan is my early tip for Most Consistent for the Broncos in 2004.

Round 1: Hooker
Round 26: Hooker

Brett Seymour

No doubt our most important player in 2004. Seymour surely has to be our something that was missing in 2003 - a halfback. He is the most promising youngster many have ever seen, whose appearances for the Broncos so far have been (mostly) sensational. An ankle injury stood in his way in 2003, but now he is fresh and ready to go and is set for a big year. My early tip for Broncos Player of the Year.

Round 1: Halfback
Round 26: Halfback

David Stagg

Could well be the next Darren Smith or Steve Renouf at the Broncos if he can impress Wayne Bennett and force his way into the backline. Of course, other players stand in his way, but he definitely has what it takes to score a lot of tries for the Broncos out wide. 3 games for the Broncos in 2003 go to his credit, but get old tapes of Clydesdales if you want to see what he's got.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Clydesdales, with at least a Baby Broncos appearance to his credit

Gorden Tallis

We saw the Raging Bull of old at the start of 2003, but as the season went on, Gordie became somewhat inconsistent. A knee injury didn't help his cause, but this year could mean big things for Gordie and the Broncos, as he now doesn't have the responsibilities of captaining his state and country. It's just Broncos from here in, and I for one and excited about that.

Round 1: Second row and captain
Round 26: Second row and captain

Brent Tate

Tate had a great year in 2002, and in 2003 did some brilliant things to keep the Broncos in the finals, but didn't have much support from his halves. We haven't seen the best of him at Broncos level, but we will see that very soon no doubt. A key to the Broncos backline, and his speed out wide could well break the line with ease. He just needs to combine with his playmakers and his winger to have maximum effect.

Round 1: Centre
Round 26: Centre

Sam Thaiday

Again, injury put on hold a promising career in 2003. Thaiday is often referred to as The Next Big Thing and can back that up with his performances on the field. Just turning 19 in June this year, Sam will be pushing for a full-time bench spot at least, but could well force his way into the starting line-up, if Wayne Bennett can pull off another of his gutsy and unpredictable tactics to use this squad beyond its limits.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Bench

Motu Tony

Our star recruit, who had a brilliant finals series for the Warriors in 2003. Tony could be one of the Broncos' go-to-men in 2004, and could provide the edge we need if he combines well with Seymour in the halves. Tony's attacking brilliance is, well, brilliant, and he could well fill-in for Lockyer at fullback should the worst come to reality.

Round 1: Five-eighth
Round 26: Five-eighth

Shane Webcke

Biased English commentators may tell you of some Pom forward, who was sent off in the first 10 seconds of the recent Ashes series, being the best prop in the world, but even the mildly interested League fan would know that Shane Webcke is that. In my opinion, he was the Broncos' Player of the Year in 2003, and hopefully can continue that into 2004. He should be an inspiration to the up-and-comers such as Thaiday and Costigan.

Round 1: Prop
Round 26: Prop

Neale Wyatt

Not a lot of Broncos games against Wyatt's name, but there was one game last year that showed he could be something the Broncos need. Wyatt should be able to cement the lock position by the season's end, with only Tonie Carroll standing in his way. Though if you're going on form in the past year, Wyatt should be the answer. Definitely something for the future.

Round 1: Clydesdales
Round 26: Lock

So here are the two sides I have put together. See you all when the season starts.

Round 1
Round 26
Darren Lockyer Fullback Darren Lockyer
Michael De Vere Wing Michael De Vere
Brent Tate Centre Brent Tate
Shaun Berrigan Centre Shaun Berrigan
Stuart Kelly Wing Karmichael Hunt
Motu Tony Five-Eighth Motu Tony
Brett Seymour Halfback Brett Seymour
Tonie Carroll Lock Neale Wyatt
Dane Carlaw Back Row Dane Carlaw
Gorden Tallis Back Row Gorden Tallis
Petero Civoniceva Front Row Petero Civoniceva
Michael Ryan Hooker Michael Ryan
Shane Webcke Front Row Shane Webcke
Brad Meyers Bench Sam Thaiday
Corey Parker Bench Corey Parker
Casey McGuire Bench Casey McGuire
Neville Costigan Bench Neville Costigan

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