2019 NRL draw: Broncos face a nightmare fixture as they look to overcome disappointing 2018

THE Broncos must overcome a nightmare draw to bury the pain of last season’s finals capitulation and break the longest premiership drought in Brisbane’s 31-year history.

Kodi Nikorima and the Broncos has a disappointing end to 2018.

THE Broncos must overcome a nightmare draw to bury the pain of last season’s finals capitulation and break the longest premiership drought in Brisbane’s 31-year history.

The NRL has delivered Brisbane a chilling season schedule with the Broncos required to face last year’s top-four teams – the Roosters, Melbourne, Sharks and Souths – on two occasions.

Brisbane must travel to play the 2018 grand-finalists in the opening month, launching their season against the Storm in Melbourne before facing premiers the Roosters in Sydney in round four.

It was a tough end to the season for the Broncos in 2018.

In the opening eight rounds, Brisbane will play five reigning top-eight teams, with clashes against the Storm (a), Dragons (h), Roosters (a), Sharks (h) and the Rabbitohs (a).

Factor in a round-two Suncorp Stadium derby against the Cowboys, who will be desperate to start the season firing after last year’s freefall, and the Broncos face the ultimate test of character to win their first premiership since 2006.

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The Broncos – backed by a new $27 million high-performance centre – are under mounting pressure to deliver the club’s seventh title and the 2019 schedule poses some major challenges.

Wayne Bennett’s troops will also face two contests with the Warriors, who were one of the most improved sides last season, clinching a finals berth under coach Steve Kearney.

Assistant coach Jason Demetriou admits the Broncos face a tough run in 2019.

Bennett’s assistant coach Jason Demetriou admits the Broncos cannot afford a slow start in their quest to shatter a 13-year title drought.

“It’s a tough draw,” Demetriou said.

“We play the top four in the first eight rounds so our pre-season will be important.

“The first eight rounds are crucial. It really doesn’t get much tougher than what we have been given.

“The expectation and pressure is on early and we will need wins to get our season going and if we don’t the pressure will build even more.

“But while it’s a tough start, this is an opportunity for us to be focused and make sure we start the season better than last year.

“We beat Souths, the Sharks and the Roosters twice last year, so that shows we can lift against the best sides.”

In terms of promotion, Brisbane bosses will be happy with the Broncos receiving Friday night Suncorp blockbusters against the Cowboys, Roosters, Storm and Rabbitohs, as well as an Anzac round Saturday clash against the Sharks.

The Broncos will only get one Sunday home game – a Queensland derby against the Titans on June 9 in round 13.

The Broncos finish the season with a run of games at Suncorp Stadium.

However, six of the Broncos’ final nine matches will be at Suncorp, giving Brisbane some crucial home-ground advantage when the battle for finals berths intensifies.

Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White said the 2019 draw had plenty to offer each and every Broncos member and fan.

“The 2019 draw provides a host of top-quality games of football at the best times for our supporters,” said White.

“We play big games against the Cowboys, Roosters, Storm and Rabbitohs all on Friday nights, then the Warriors, Sharks and Titans all on weekends – it makes the best games available for every fan to join the growing membership base of the Bronxnation.

“Last season gave us a look at the exciting young talent coming through the ranks and 2019 will see them further develop and come of age, so I’d encourage everyone to join us.

“I also want to pass on a big thanks to our loyal members who are already on board for 2019.”

FULL 2019 FIXTURE

Thursday, Mar 14

Storm vs. Broncos AAMI Park 7:50pm

Friday, Mar 22

Broncos vs. Cowboys Suncorp Stadium 7:55pm

Thursday, Mar 28

Broncos vs. Dragons Suncorp Stadium 7:50pm

Thursday, Apr 4

Roosters vs. Broncos Sydney Cricket Ground 7:50pm

Thursday, Apr 11

Broncos vs. Tigers Suncorp Stadium 7:50pm

Sunday, Apr 21

Raiders vs. Broncos GIO Stadium 4:05pm

Saturday, Apr 27

Broncos vs. Sharks Suncorp Stadium 7:35pm

Thursday, May 2

Rabbitohs vs. Broncos ANZ Stadium7:50pm

Friday, May 10

Sea Eagles vs. Broncos Suncorp Stadium 7:55pm

Friday, May 17

Broncos vs. Roosters Suncorp Stadium 7:55pm

Saturday, May 25

Warriors vs. Broncos Mt Smart Stadium 5:30pm

BYE

Sunday, Jun 9

Broncos vs. Titans Suncorp Stadium 2:00pm

Saturday, Jun 15

Eels vs. Broncos Western Sydney Stadium 7:35pm

Saturday, Jun 29

Knights vs. Broncos McDonald Jones Stadium 5:30pm

Sunday, Jul 7

Sharks vs. Broncos Shark Park 4:05pm

Saturday, Jul 13

Broncos vs. Warriors Suncorp Stadium 5:30pm

Thursday, Jul 18

Broncos vs. Bulldogs Suncorp Stadium 7:50pm

Saturday, Jul 27

Titans vs. Broncos CBus Super Stadium 5:30pm

Friday, Aug 2

Broncos vs. Storm Suncorp Stadium 7:55pm

Thursday, Aug 8

Cowboys vs. Broncos 1300Smiles Stadium 7:50pm

Friday, Aug 16

Broncos vs. Panthers Suncorp Stadium 7:55pm

Friday, Aug 23

Broncos vs. Rabbitohs Suncorp Stadium 7:55pm

Friday, Aug 30

Broncos vs. Eels Suncorp Stadium 7:55pm

Saturday, Sep 7

Bulldogs vs. Broncos ANZ Stadium 5:30pm

Originally published as 2019 NRL draw: Broncos face a nightmare fixture as they look to overcome disappointing 2018