Backing-up in 2016 will be a challenge for Broncos, says Darren Lockyer
LEAGUE legend Darren Lockyer has delivered a blunt reality check on the likely fortunes of the Broncos this year as his former club prepares to kick off their 2016 season against the Eels.
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BRONCOS champion Darren Lockyer says questions hang over Brisbane’s mental attitude this season in the wake of their grand final heartbreak.
Lockyer has delivered a blunt reality check to the Broncos, stating the mental challenge of responding to a shattering grand final loss to the Cowboys will define Brisbane’s season.
Brisbane face the resurgent Eels in Parramatta this Thursday night, a tough encounter just nine days after returning from England.
Lockyer said Brisbane had the talent and coaching staff to win the premiership this year but wondered if they were mentally able to perform at the level required.
“Every Bronco that played in that grand final will want to have that moment again,” Lockyer told The Courier-Mail.
“The challenge will be mentally. The Broncos exceeded expectations last year.
“They will be driven by what happened in the grand final but at the same time, mentally, it will be a challenge to get that same effort.
“The competition is so even it comes down to the mental game. If you don’t have the motivation to go the extra mile, you won’t win the premiership.
“That last two per cent of mental application will be the key.”
Lockyer also said the Cowboys’ premiership win will inevitably sap some of their motivation as they attempt to become the first back to back premiers since Brisbane in 1992 and 93.
Lockyer won back to back premierships with Brisbane but they were in two different competitions, Super League in 1997 and the reformed NRL in 1998.
He ultimately won four premierships in Brisbane colours and knows how success can grow into complacency.
Lockyer said while it was possible for the Cowboys to win back to back premierships, complacency was inevitable.
The Cowboys begin their season at home on Saturday night against the Cronulla Sharks, a team they dominated in the finals last season on the way to their maiden premiership.
“You can sit there in the team room and say we won’t but subconsciously you do,” he said.
“It is human nature. For the Cowboys, it has been a long time coming and for Johnathan (Thurston) it has been a long time coming.
“I am sure (Cowboys coach) Paul Green is realistic because that’s his greatest challenge this year, to keep them motivated.”
The Broncos round one team is expected to be similar to their World Club Series side with Ben Hunt expected to be lone change.
Hunt will start at halfback in place of Kodi Nikorima, who will drop to the bench in place of Travis Waddell.
England import Greg Eden will start on Brisbane’s right wing with Jack Reed and Lachlan Maranta injured for their clash with the Eels.
Originally published as Backing-up in 2016 will be a challenge for Broncos, says Darren Lockyer
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