Broncos have a chance to prove their NRL premiership credentials against the Roosters
IF Brisbane are serious about making a dent in the finals, this is where the can prove it. Prevail over the Roosters, and the unimaginable might just become possible, writes DARREN LOCKYER.
Opinion
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SATURDAY’S clash against the Roosters is a grand final come early for the Broncos.
Premierships may not be won until October, but it’s the momentum generated in the month of August that can make or break a team’s title ambitions.
At this stage of the season, every finals contender is looking for a signature game to stamp their mark on the competition and make their rivals sit up and take notice.
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This Allianz showdown has all the ingredients to test the Broncos: potential minor premiers in the Roosters; a daunting road trip to Sydney; a backline superstar in Latrell Mitchell; an aggressive forward pack featuring Maroons hitman Dylan Napa; a State of Origin matchwinner in James Tedesco; a champion playmaker in Cooper Cronk.
The time has come for the Broncos to make their statement.
By virtue of their inconsistency, the jury is understandably out on whether Brisbane can win four sudden-death finals games to win the premiership and break the longest title drought in their history.
If the Broncos prevail, it will convince me they are the real deal.
If the Roosters dominate them, it will be almost impossible for Brisbane to bounce off the canvas with a fairytale grand-final charge.
To win a premiership, a squad needs unshakeable self-belief.
I don’t know if Brisbane’s class of 2018 have reached that stage of mental surety just yet.
They will take heart from claiming the scalp of an injury-hit Souths outfit last week, but a Roosters road trip presents a more realistic examination of their premiership prospects.
The clash has a number of fascinating subplots involving personal duels that will shape the outcome.
This is a huge assignment for Brisbane halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima, two players who personify the frustrating mix of promise and inconsistency that has plagued the Broncos this season.
Their individual brilliance can blow open a big game, but this game is about patience for Milford and Nikorima.
Brisbane won’t blow the Roosters off the park, so it’s imperative Milford and Nikorima play the percentages and don’t try to force points.
The Roosters will test their mental strength and option-taking under fatigue. Building pressure is crucial. It may take 70 minutes before their moment to strike arrives.
There is a sentiment Brisbane can’t win the premiership with Nikorima at halfback, so this is his stage to answer a few questions.
Defensively, the Roosters will target him with ferocious edge runners.
Nikorima must be ready for the onslaught.
I’m expecting some forward fireworks between Matt Lodge and Napa.
The Broncos won’t have forgotten the accidental broken jaw Korbin Sims suffered against the Roosters and Napa and Jared Wearea-Hargreaves won’t accept losing the midfield.
Lodge is the key.
I watched him closely a few weeks ago against the Cowboys and was really impressed with the manner in which he stood up to North Queensland’s hulks Matt Scott and Jason Taumalolo.
He also handled the Burgess boys last week. It convinced me he is the one Broncos forward capable of spearheading a finals charge.
Out wide, it’s important Broncos centre James Roberts nullifies his NSW Origin teammate Mitchell.
At the very same venue last year, Latrell steamrolled Roberts to score the late try which broke Brisbane’s hearts in a finals thriller.
Roberts is renowned for his attack but this is about defence for “The Jet”.
Ultimately, Brisbane must shut down the Roosters’ game managers, Cronk and Luke Keary. The Roosters are 10-point better side with Keary back from injury and his class perfectly complements the composure provided by his senior halves partner Cronk.
The Roosters will show Brisbane what it takes be a genuine threat in this competition.
The Bondi club, backed by billionaire Nick Politis, is renowned for its glamour.
But it is their defensive grit which the Broncos must replicate to make a perfectly timed statement.
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Originally published as Broncos have a chance to prove their NRL premiership credentials against the Roosters