Five things we learned from Brisbane’s 40-4 loss to Melbourne

Whatever slim chance remained of Brisbane ending the longest premiership drought in club history is now gone. Here’s five things we learned from their terrible loss to Melbourne.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: The Broncos players look dejected after a try is scored against them during the round 20 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on August 02, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

• SCHOOLED: Hodgson destroys New Zealand

• SMASHED: Brisbane eaten alive by Melbourne

Whatever slim chance remained of Brisbane ending the longest premiership drought in club history is now gone.

Here’s five things we learned from their terrible loss to Melbourne.

1) The Broncos can’t win the premiership this year. Brisbane have done well to get back in the top-eight hunt but they aren’t in the same league as the NRL’s Big Three.

The Storm taught them a footballing lesson, doing everything at superior speed.

Live stream the 2019 NRL Telstra Premiership on KAYO SPORTS. Every game of every round live & anytime on your TV or favourite device. Get your 14 day free trial.

The Broncos were totally torn apart. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

2) Brisbane’s bosses should be embarrassed by this performance.

The Broncos are the richest club in the league with unmatched resources but they are miles away from emulating the Storm’s culture.

To be so far off the pace in ninth spot is unacceptable. This Thursday’s night derby against the Cowboys could make or break their season.

LISTEN! Matty Johns talks to Cameron Smith about his career, almost leaving Melbourne, ‘influencing’ refs, the salary cap drama and plenty more.

3) Cameron Smith is the greatest player in the code’s 111-year history.

His control, composure and execution in pressure situations was simply extraordinary.

Most 36-year-olds are past it but Smith is still at his zenith and can orchestrate another Storm premiership.

Cameron Smith taught the Broncos a lesson. AAP Image/Dan Peled.

4) Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has a real problem with his halves.

Jake Turpin has tried his heart out in the No.7 jumper in Tom Dearden’s injury-enforced absence but he was exposed as a playmaker against his former club.

Turpin had zero runs in the first half and Brisbane had no structural shape and no kicking game with Darius Boyd at five-eighth.

5) Justin Olam is another example of Melbourne’s ability to transform players.

The PNG-born Olam played the game of his life last night, charging through the Broncos like a man possessed and throwing a superb swivel pass for Kenny Bromwich’s second try.