Crash Craddock: Brisbane Broncos firm as premiership favourites with punters

Punters are rushing to back the Broncos to break their 18-year premiership drought after seeing their season gain powerful momentum, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

Broncos celebration for CRash column

Big punters are swarming behind the Broncos in the belief their 18-year premiership drought is about to end.

The Broncos have been back from $5.50 into $4.25 behind the Panthers ($3.25) as Brisbane’s season gains powerful momentum.

“Brisbane have become the best backed side to win the premiership,’’ said the TAB’s Gerard Daffy.

“The big punters have really rallied behind them over the past three or four weeks because they have shown they can win without Adam Reynolds.

“Kevin Walters was saying they need to bank wins before the State of Origin series but they seem to have good depth and may still win games while their stars are away.

“And they travel well. Playing away from home doesn’t seem to worry them.’’

The Broncos are on a hot streak. Picture: Izhar Khan/Getty Images

FULL OF PRAISE

How many Trai Fullers and David Armstrongs are out there waiting for their big break?

This was the question floating around Suncorp Stadium on Sunday after two fullbacks who had to journey around the Cape of Good Hope to get their chance in first grade dominated the game as Newcastle pipped a flat, disappointing Dolphins.

Newcastle’s Armstrong, raised in the tiny town of Mungindi on the Queensland-NSW border, made his first grade debut on Sunday at 23 via stints at Redcliffe, Toowoomba and Goondiwindi (twice). He was a clear choice as man of the match, even scoring a try in front of his extended family sitting behind the posts.

At the other end of the ground was the equally elusive Fuller, 27, excelling in his third first grade game in his second year on a train and trial contract.

Trai Fuller made his debut for the Dolphins. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The rival fullbacks used to play each other in Queensland’s Murri Carnival for Indigenous players and were complementary of each other after the game.

“It is great to see him get a crack – he is fast and a very good footy player,’’ Fuller said of Armstrong. “The last time I played him was in the QMC and he got one over me then too.’’

When most of his teammates were in a deep slumber in the first 25 minutes of the game, Fuller was outstanding … making crucial tackles and charging headlong into the defence.

When asked why he is so cavalier in his charges, the tiny Fuller responded “I have to do that otherwise I will get pushed back 20m.’’

“I love what he brings,’’ Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett told Fox League.

Jock Madden is on his way to becoming a great buy. Picture: Liam Kidston

JOCK’S PROGRESS

The quiet, steady improvement of Jock Madden could have major long term ramifications for the Broncos.

Most of the ducks are in line for the Broncos to have a bountiful life after Adam Reynolds retires next year but the difference between being a very good side and a premiership outfit may lie in what happens with Madden.

The wraps are huge on youngster-in-waiting Coby Black but jumping in and steering the Broncos around the park is no mean feat – ask Tom Dearden.

Madden doesn’t have to be Allan Langer or Reynolds. Just as the Broncos last premiership halfback Shane Perry had Darren Lockyer beside him, Madden will have a galaxy of stars around him.

If he can continue to improve he could become a treasured bargain buy.

Des Hasler is making slow and steady strides at the Titans. NRL Photos

GOLDEN EFFORT

The premiership ladder may not show it but Des Hasler is making progress with the Titans who suddenly look like a dangerous team.

Their upset win over the Warriors was their first of the season and the desperate, scrambling defence featured just the sort of passion the team has been lacking.

That’s one win from seven but the previous two narrow losses against Manly and Canberra were signs of a team on the rise.