Broncos on verge of ‘best ever’ regular season as Mal Meninga backs them for grand final

The rampaging Broncos are on the verge of achieving what Wayne Bennett’s sides couldn’t as a host of greats back the in-form side for the NRL grand final.

NRL 2023 RD22 Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters - Reece Walsh Patrick Carrigan, First Try Celebration NRL PHOTOS

Mal Meninga believes the rampaging Broncos are grand final ready with a team that could become the greatest regular season outfit in the club’s history.

No Broncos team in the club’s 35-year history has recorded 19 regular season wins but Kevin Walters’ outfit will reach this mark if they win their last three games against the Eels, Raiders and Storm.

The previous record of 18 wins was set by teams from 1992 (from 22 games), 1998 (from 24 games), 2000 (26) and 2011 (24).

This year’s competition features 24 matches and national coach Meninga rates Brisbane a genuine shot at the title after their rousing 30-14 win over the Cowboys in Townsville.

“They are at the top for me,’’ Meninga told Fox Sports.

“I feel like they are going to push for that grand final appearance this year. Their back five and forwards are excellent, there is something special about this bunch.’’

Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan celebrate. Picture: NRL Photos

The significant statistic from the four Broncos teams who amassed 18 wins was that three of them – 1992, 1998 and 2000 – went on to win the title.

The momentum of a storming winter helped to carry them to glory.

A fit list is normally a key ingredient in any title challenge and Brisbane are brimming with options entering Friday’s match against Parramatta.

In-form centre Herbie Farnworth was the only concern out of the Cowboys win after suffering a cork but he is likely to play against the Eels.

Adam Reynolds (groin) and Kobe Hetherington (back cork), who missed the Cowboys match, are strong chances to play against the Eels with the Broncos gaining enormous confidence by beating the Cowboys so convincingly without their creative maestro Reynolds.

Kurt Capewell and Reece Walsh celebrate victory against the Cowboys. Picture: Getty

“They (the Broncos) are strong, athletic and have that swagger about them,’’ decorated halfback Cooper Cronk told Fox after the Cowboys victory.

“To win like that without Adam Reynolds, they have made a statement. Reynolds would be thinking I can come back into this side and add the cherry on top.’’

Penrith remain short priced favorites to win their third consecutive premiership but league Immortal Andrew Johns believes an on-song Brisbane can test them.

“I think Brisbane has a game to trouble Penrith – they beat them in round one in Penrith,’’ Johns told Channel 9.

“They have the forward pack to match them and the X Factor and the attack can worry them. But Brisbane would have to be at their best.

“I don’t think the scoreboard reflected the Broncos dominance (against the Cowboys). They bombed four tries and could have been up by 30 at halftime.’’

Brisbane shocked Penrith with a rugged 13-12 win against the Panthers in Penrith in round one and though the premiers were underprepared it was an early sign that the sting of missing last year’s finals had sharpened Brisbane’s focus.

Originally published as Broncos on verge of ‘best ever’ regular season as Mal Meninga backs them for grand final