Broncos great Sam Thaiday backs his former club to make the finals
Maybe it’s blind loyalty, maybe it’s his tactical insight, either way Brisbane legend Sam Thaiday believes the Broncos can capitalise on good results and have an impact on the top eight.
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Broncos great Sam Thaiday has backed his former club to make it into the finals this season as they continue their surge towards the top eight.
Brisbane were at serious risk of missing their first finals berth since 2013, when they sat 13th on the ladder just three weeks ago.
However, their late season surge has catapulted them to within one point of being in the top eight with a desirable run home, playing just four teams inside the top eight.
Thaiday was at Ashgrove State School on Tuesday morning as ambassador for the NRL’s new League Stars program — aimed at introducing five to 12-year-olds to the basic skills of rugby league.
He said the youngsters at Red Hill were also developing into matchwinners for the Broncos.
“It’s a patient game with the boys at the moment and I say boys not lightly either,” Thaiday said.
“A lot of them are young men that are still learning their trade.
“Payne Haas, Matt Lodge, Joe Ofahengaue, they’re all fantastic for the Broncos.
“If the Broncos continue to play well and do anything in the finals, it’s going to be off the back of some of those forwards.”
Thaiday admitted the 18-all draw — and one competition point — against the Warriors in Round 17 could shape to be either a help or a hindrance.
“You look at that draw against the Warrirors and it could be a help or a hindrance for us,” he said.
“One point might get us in and one point might just be the cut off for us.
“A bit of luck, a bit of hard work, string a few wins together and I’m sure once they get into finals they’ll upset some teams.”
The Little League program officially kicked off across the country and has been set up to get more kids involved in rugby league.
The non-contact skills-based program is aimed at both boys and girls, with Thaiday’s own daughters getting involved.
“To be honest, they were a little nervous about it because they thought it was rugby league and they thought it was contact,” he said.
“The best thing about it is they are learning the fundamental skills of rugby league which can then transition into playing rugby league or touch.
“The most important bit is the friendship and the fun.
“I can see as a parent as well you’re nervous about your kids. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn their skills.”
NRL Head of Participation, Pathways and Game Development Luke Ellis said it involved fun, high energy games that are “all play, no contact”.
“By introducing League Stars as our new national non-contact skill development program, we’re not only increasing the versions of rugby league we offer, but also the times and places we are offering them,” he said.
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