NRL 2021: South Sydney Rabbitohs defeat Brisbane Broncos 46-0, Payne Haas on report

Brisbane’s ailing season has gone from bad to worse after an embarrassing defeat to South Sydney, which is set to trigger a major review into the club.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 17: Payne Haas of the Broncos is tackled during the round 15 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, on June 17, 2021, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Shattered Broncos coach Kevin Walters sensationally revealed an urgent review will be ordered into the ailing powerhouse in the wake of Brisbane’s 46-0 capitulation against Wayne Bennett’s Bunnies.

NSW and Broncos prop Payne Haas is in danger of missing Origin II after being booked for making dangerous contact with Souths prop Mark Nicholls in the 62nd minute of Brisbane’s eight-try debacle.

Haas almost missed Origin I due to a knee injury and now he has been plunged into another battle, with the Broncos bookend to learn on Friday whether he is formally charged by the NRL match-review committee.

Stream selected Fox League shows on Kayo Freebies completely free this June including NRL 360, Sunday Night with Matty Johns, Big League Wrap & more. No Credit Card. No-brainer. Register Free Now >

The Haas drama aside, it was another pathetic display from the Broncos, who suffered their worst-ever loss to South Sydney as super coach Bennett returned to haunt the Brisbane club that sacked him in 2018.

“That’s not the Broncos,” Walters said. “There’s a lot of things that aren’t right with us. Everyone is under review. We are going to have a good look at ourselves.”

Payne Haas was put on report for making dangerous contact. Picture: Getty Images

KEV-OLUTION

Walters promised to bring unity to the Broncos.

Instead, Brisbane are being torn apart — yet again — by disunity.

The Broncos showed signs of rejuvenation two months ago but in the past six weeks Brisbane have been an abject rabble. In their last six games, they have conceded 242 points at a woeful average of 40 per game.

The excuses are over for Walters. He has had 15 rounds to mould, shape and tweak the Broncos into a cohesive, determined unit. Instead, he has chopped and changed like a Mad Scientist and has turned Broncos players into insecure, confused individuals. Any harmony and self-belief is being destroyed.

“With what’s going on here, their mind space isn’t that strong,” he said. “We aren’t a very resilient football side.”

Kevin Walters said everyone at the club is under review. Picture: Getty Images

DOUBLE WHAMMY

Brisbane’s build-up for the Bunnies clash was rocked by revelations key forward duo Matt Lodge and Tevita Pangai Jnr could depart in the coming weeks.

The Broncos have given permission for Pangai Jnr to negotiate with rival clubs, while the Warriors have reignited their interest in Lodge, who was informed last month he is free to leave due to salary-cap pressures.

“Everyone has had 15 weeks to prove themselves. We need to make some changes,” Walters said of the impending cleanout.

“Every part of our club we are looking at in the next few weeks. I see the Broncos as being an urgent club, everything you need to do has to be first class and professional.”

Adam Reynolds was superb for the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty Images

ADAM BOMB

The Broncos can’t get halfback Adam Reynolds to Red Hill quickly enough. Reynolds’ combination with Souths pivot Cody Walker was majestic and their understanding laid bare Brisbane’s problems at the scrumbase.

Karmichael Hunt has been a wonderful player but at 34 he is feeling the heat in the NRL at five-eighth. He had just three runs and the pace of the game is exposing him after a 12-year absence.

X-CITING STUFF

Xavier Coates has had a turbulent season but the Queensland and Broncos winger produced the try-saver of the season in the 34th minute.

Souths centre Dane Gagai had intercepted a pass 15 metres out from his tryline and streaked away. He looked certain to score. But Coates refused to quit, gradually reeling Gagai in, collaring him one metre out and dragging him over the touchline.

It was a magnificent show of desperation. If only the Broncos defended with such heart in the midfield.

Originally published as NRL 2021: South Sydney Rabbitohs defeat Brisbane Broncos 46-0, Payne Haas on report