What North Queensland and Brisbane can learn from the Tigers and Dragons

THE Broncos are still looking up at most of the NRL and GORDEN TALLIS believes the key to turning things around can be found in the league’s unlikely leaders.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — APRIL 15: Malakai Watene-Zelezniak of the Tigers celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the round six NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Wests Tigers at Lottoland on April 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

I NEVER thought I’d be saying this at the start of the season, but it’s time the Broncos and Cowboys took a few pointers from the Tigers and Dragons.

I know Wayne Bennett isn’t one who likes to be told what to do — we’ve seen enough of that this week.

A lot has been said about Wayne and a lot more will be said about him as the season continues, and speculation over his future grows.

The thing is, he’s written two books and he’s always wanted his opinion heard.

But that doesn’t mean he likes it when others share their opinions of him.

And he’ll let them know about that, whether it be the governing body or the media.

He has challenged the media this week and I believe during the next six months he’s going to turn criticism of him and doubts over his future into a case of “these guys don’t like me”.

The Tigers are showing the rest of the NRL the way.

No one dislikes Wayne, but everybody used to bite their tongue — they don’t anymore.

That goes for ex-players, journalists and even coaches like Nathan Brown.

Whether Wayne likes it or not, it’s going to keep happening with him and his team.

And this week, I have some tips for his team.

I’m so happy the style of footy is changing in the game.

There has been so much structure in rugby league lately that it has been hurting the product.

It’s been predictable. You have known what every team is going to do before they do it and it’s boring.

But the Wests Tigers and Dragons are changing that.

The Tigers’ win over the Sea Eagles at Brookvale last week was my favourite team performance in a long time.

UGLY: Cowboys get the job done

TOUGH: Can Brisbane last without McCullough

Dragons mentor Paul McGregor and his Tigers counterpart Ivan Cleary have their teams playing to their strengths, and both coaches have put their egos in their pockets to allow their players to get back to themselves.

It’s a pleasure to watch and now I hope every other coach stands up and takes notice, especially here in Queensland.

The Cowboys in particular have looked too structured and predictable.

The Broncos looked their best on Friday against the Storm when they just started playing footy around the ball.

The Broncos need more heads up play from Anthony Milford.

Anthony Milford’s little kick for himself to score? There was no structure in that.

It was only for a 15-minute period in that second half but they looked good and really threatened the Storm.

They were challenging the bloke in front of them, they all got around the ball, were running out of dummy-half, pushing up for each other and were a little bit more assertive.

It was really successful for them.

I just hope now that they don’t get gun shy.

The Broncos have a habit when they’re in the lead of thinking they have the points in the bank, and then trying to grind out wins and play it safe.

What the Tigers are doing has brought the crowds back, and the Broncos need to take note of that.

They need to turn that 15-minutes of excellence against the Storm into 80 minutes, week in and week out.