NRL 2021: Broncos victory could be their biggest win in three years

The Broncos rightfully celebrated their most significant wins in three years but a key man who will shape their future remained deep in thought on the sideline.

Even when he is not talking, Kotoni Staggs’ face seems to be asking the question “you lookin’ at me mate?’’

Staggs looks angry even when he’s not – though most of the time he is.

Staggs was by no means the Broncos best player in their rousing win over Cronulla it was no coincidence his swagger and stare in his first match of the season gave Brisbane a self-belief they have been lacking all season.

Staggs brings back memories of Broncos great Chris Johns in the way he fights tackles as if the tackler is stealing his wallet. When things get a bit willing he is in his element.

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Kotoni Staggs gave the Broncos belief. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Staggs may have spent a significant amount of time on the bench in his comeback game but don’t underestimate the self-esteem boost that shot through the Broncos when Mr Competitive ran out for the first time this season.

This was one of the Broncos most significant wins for three years though whether it was a shooting star or a significant signpost will be defined by what follows it the next few weeks.

With Matt Lodge leaving the club and four players injured in a tough new training schedule the club needed vindication they are heading in the right direction.

BEN’S BLISS

The close-up shot of Broncos new football manager Ben Ikin at full-time in his debut match for the club said a lot about the qualities he will bring to Red Hill.

Ikin barely changed expression as the hooter rang and you could tell he was already drifting off to that faraway planet deep thinkers go to when they start analysing the match that has unfolded in front of them.

There’s a calm sense of authority about Ikin who could well become a better signing than any of the players he recruits for next season.

Ikin, who loves his numbers and through the Broncos will have access to all sorts of intriguing stats, will be a godsend for Kevin Walters who can stop worrying about recruiting and concentrate on coaching.

The 'Ben Ikin era' has officially begun! @brisbanebroncos break a four-match slide to climb off the bottom of the #NRL ladder https://t.co/0hYYDFyExypic.twitter.com/vW3c4yJrE8

— Courier Mail Sport (@cmail_sport) July 4, 2021

RIGHT ON CUE

Suncorp fans were overjoyed with the fabulous quality of the Broncos-Sharks game but somewhere in Sydney the game’s bosses would have been raising a glass as well.

The horrifically lopsided Saturday schedule which produced a collective scoreline of 148-6 in three games has left a wide grey pall over the new rule changes which have triggered a Sydney Heads gap between the competition’s best and worst teams.

Random statistic … The Broncos are running second last on the ladder with a points differential of negative 242.

Two years ago the Titans differential was negative 71 when they were in the same place, losing a lot but still managing to hang on to the rhythms of a game.

The new rules have meant struggling teams get burnt off and fail to deliver the one quality battling clubs crave … hope.

The Cowboys were on the receiving end of one of the three blowouts on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Feder/Getty Images

MILFORD’S MAN

Benji Marshall is the poster Anthony Milford should put on his wall as he attempts to burst out of the doldrums next winter.

Forget the money. Just find happiness. Don’t sign on anywhere as “The Man.’’ Just be part of the cavalry. Put a smile back on that dial. Enjoy the game like you did in the backyard.

Marshall has been a revelation at Souths under Wayne Bennett on a cut price deal in which he floats around first grade, helps out where needed.

After many years of being the prime orchestrator Marshall is relishing the lack of big time responsibility and has recaptured his old bounce.

He has found a happiness that eluded Milford in his stay at the Broncos. Milford will mercifully shed the $1 million a season tag and will be lucky to pick up a deal a third that price.

But that’s fine. Finding happiness is his biggest challenge. He’s made his money.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Broncos victory could be their biggest win in three years