James Roberts believes Broncos can break NRL premiership drought
AFTER the season Brisbane have had, some would say they have no right to be dreaming of a premiership. But back-to-back boilovers against South Sydney and the Roosters has James Roberts feeling the vibe.
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BRONCOS stars have sounded an ominous warning to premiers Melbourne and the NRL finals contenders, declaring Brisbane are building the momentum to win this year’s title.
As Brisbane prepare to celebrate Sam Thaiday’s final regular-season home game against Manly this Sunday, centre James Roberts believes the Broncos can produce a month-long surge to break the longest title drought in their history.
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The Broncos completed a drama-free training run on Thursday at Red Hill as they plot a final-round disposal of the Sea Eagles which could help them secure a home semi-final at Suncorp next weekend.
Brisbane have been inconsistent for most of the season but recent back-to-back boilovers of big guns Souths and the Roosters has given the squad belief they can deliver the club’s first premiership since 2006.
“I think we can win the whole thing,” Roberts said.
“I’m pretty sure people write-us off every year, but we know what we have to do at the club here and we are confident in each other.
“It comes down to being ready on the day and doing our job individually for the team.
“The Roosters are a top team and they were on fire, but I thought we handled them pretty well, we weathered their storm early and came away with the win.
“The last two weeks have been really good and we are slowly getting to where we want to be. It’s a big game for Sammy this week and we want to get the win for him.
“We are excited for finals football, but we are aware of our form against the bottom-eight teams so we want to get the win this week before the finals.
“We still have a lot more improvement in us.”
Broncos pivot Anthony Milford said their ruthless 22-8 domination of the Roosters was evidence they have the defensive hunger to atone for Brisbane’s 2015 grand-final defeat.
“It’s the business end of the year — we are getting excited,” Milford said.
“It (their defence) is something we need to build. If we can defend like we did against the Roosters, we can go a long way.”
Much like the Broncos, Roberts believes he is personally hitting top gear at the right time after the most gruelling campaign of his NRL career.
The 25-year-old broke into his NSW Origin side this season and has had to juggle the demands of club and representative football while battling an ongoing Achilles problem.
But Roberts insists the injury will not affect his form during the playoffs as he eyes his maiden premiership ring.
“I am coming good now mentally,” he said. “It has been a draining year, mentally and physically.
“I am feeling better than what I was three weeks ago.”
Of his Achilles injury, he said: “It’s not really getting better, it’s pretty much the same. I just have to keep loosening up my halves (with regular massage), but I will be right.
“Rest is good for anything, but we don’t have any time to rest at the moment, I just have to get the season done and keep getting the job done really.”
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