NRL finals 2023: Gorden Tallis reveals the secret weapon to help Broncos break Melbourne Storm hoodoo

The odds and hoodoo are stacked up against the Broncos when they take on Melbourne in week one of the finals but Brisbane legend Gorden Tallis believes the side’s secret weapon is in the coach’s box.

Coach Kevin Walters, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hill. Picture: Liam Kidston

Brisbane legend Gorden Tallis holds no fears for an inexperienced Broncos side facing the insurmountable task of breaking a 14-game hoodoo against Melbourne on Friday night.

The three-time premiership winner and Fox Sports Ambassador runs the rule over Brisbane’s chances against the Storm and gives his verdict for week one of the NRL finals series.

BRISBANE BRONCOS V MELBOURNE STORM

Friday 7.50pm – Suncorp Stadium

Not only does Brisbane have a long-running losing streak against the Storm, the Broncos haven’t beaten Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium since 2009.

Kevin Walters’ young side is also lacking in finals experience and have only won one of their past six finals appearances.

But Tallis believes any big game experience lacking on the field is made up for in the coach’s box given Walters won six premierships – one with Canberra and five at Brisbane - as a player.

“I reckon this Broncos team isn’t carrying the burden of the past. Young kids, they don’t carry the divots of the past. Yes, the record is there and they haven’t beaten the Storm in a long time but Kevin Walters has won six titles, Allan Langer on the coaching staff has won five titles,” Tallis said.

Kevin Walters finals experience could hold the key to Brisbane breaking its Storm duck. Picture: Liam Kidston

“From the outside that lack of experience can be a problem, but it’s exciting as well, anything is possible.”

No player better epitomises the fearlessness of youth than whiz-kid Reece Walsh, who has been Brisbane’s most dangerous player all season. Walsh joked this week of not knowing what a ‘hoodoo’ was.

The return of veteran halfback Adam Reynolds (calf) and lock Patrick Carrigan (foot) is a shot in the arm for Brisbane’s chances.

Melbourne No.7 Jahrome Hughes (knee) and hooker Harry Grant (shoulder) are also back for the Storm.

Tallis Verdict: Broncos

PENRITH PANTHERS V NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Saturday 4.05pm – Bluebet Stadium

Warriors coach Andrew Webster has the inside knowledge on Penrith as a former assistant during their back-to-back title wins after spending two seasons honing the side’s clinical attack.

But Tallis is still backing the Panthers’ finals experience, and quality in key positions across the park to get the job done on Saturday afternoon.

“Penrith have been the best side for the last four years, and lost so many quality players over that time but keep delivering. Andrew Webster’s inside knowledge on the Panthers will give the Warriors an advantage but it might not be enough,” Tallis said.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster has deep knowledge of Penrith’s attacking patterns. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty

The Warriors are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation but not even a chartered flight to Sydney on a private jet will be enough for the side to overcome home ground hostility at Bluebet Stadium, where Penrith has only dropped two games this year.

“The Warriors have pulled out all the stops, even getting a private jet, but Penrith will be too good.”

The likes of halfback Nathan Cleary, lock Isaah Yeo and forward James Fisher-Harris have set the standard in 2023 and again will be the linchpins in Penrith’s success this weekend and deep into the final series.

Tallis Verdict: Panthers

CRONULLA SHARKS V SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Saturday 7.50pm – Pointsbet Stadium

Tallis believes Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes must have his best game of the season if the Sharks are to have any chance but is backing momentum and star power of the Sydney Roosters to get the job done at Pointsbet Stadium.

After catching a case of the yips in last year’s final series, the Sharks were bundled out of contention with two-straight losses. Cronulla’s inability to dominate top quality opposition continued into this season.

“I’m still not convinced by the Sharks and the Roosters in the last five weeks have had all the momentum. Cronulla beat the Raiders but lost to the Knights the week before, it’s that inconsistency. The last time they played other sides that had momentum like the Warriors and Panthers, they got blown off the park. It’ll come down to how Nicho Hynes plays,” Tallis said.

Nicho Hynes has to have the game of his life against the Roosters. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty

Craig Fitzgibbon is sweating on the availability of fullback Will Kennedy to cover for Connor Tracey if he is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

After spluttering through most of the season, the Roosters have peaked at the right time with key men James Tedesco, Luke Keary and Joey Manu, who returns from a hamstring injury, finding form at the right time.

Tallis Verdict: Roosters

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS V CANBERRA RAIDERS

Sunday 4.05pm McDonald Jones Stadium

Tallis believes fullback Kalyn Ponga, who returns from a shoulder injury, holds the key to the Knights’ title chances like Andrew Johns did.

“The last time they were on a streak in 2001 they won the title with Andrew Johns there. They’re playing unbelievable football. Ten wins in a row brings confidence,” Tallis said.

In another boost for the Knights, halfback Jackson Hastings returns from an ankle injury, while experienced back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon is back from a shoulder injury.

Suspensions to Corey Horsburgh and Seb Kris, plus season-ending injury to key forward Josh Papali’i has left Canberra without enough manpower to overcome Newcastle’s surge into the finals, according to Tallis.

Kalyn Ponga returns from injury. Picture: NRL

Coach Ricky Stuart pulled a selection shock and named rookie James Schiller on the wing for the suspended Kris in Sunday’s sudden death encounter.

A poor record in Newcastle is also working against Canberra’s chances of progressing into week two, with the Raiders winning only one of their last six games at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The Raiders will also have to dig deep defensively with Newcastle’s humming attack catapulting the side to the top of the tries leaderboard, with 114 after 27 rounds.

Tallis Verdict: Knights