NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos points differential the worst since 2016 Newcastle Knights
Of all the low points the bumbling Broncos have hit this season, this glaring issue could actually be the worst of all and highlights just how much ground they have to make up to become finals candidates again.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
As Brisbane look to avoid the wooden spoon for the first time in club history another haunting statistic has summed up their winter from hell.
A loss in Thursday’s Queensland derby with the Cowboys will see them finish the season with the worst points differential since Newcastle’s nightmare 2016 season.
The bumbling Broncos’ points differential is -340 – the Knights finished on -495 in 2016 – in a brutal reality check of their defensive flaws so far this year.
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
MORE NRL NEWS
‘2021 is huge for me’: Milford fights for Broncos career
Walters must choose between state and club
It’s been a season to forget at Red Hill with the playing group notching up several unwanted records – from the worst losing streak in club history (nine) to potential wooden spooners.
It comes at a time when their cross-code rivals are enjoying the sweet taste of success, with the Queensland Reds becoming the 2020 Super Rugby AU runners-up and the Brisbane Lions eyeing off their first AFL minor premiership.
The Queensland derby will also be the final game for Brisbane veteran Darius Boyd, who is retiring at season’s end.
Broncos coach Peter Gentle said the club owed it to Boyd – as well as their fans – to show some sort of improvement for their final game of 2020.
“The boys have known for quite a while now where Darius’ finish line was,” Gentle said.
“We’ll have to send Dave (Fifita) off as well now that’s in the balance.
“We’ll be doing everything to send ‘Darbs’ out a winner but we owe it to everyone to put on a good performance back at home.”
It comes as Fifita’s career with the Broncos is over after the barnstorming backrower suffered an ankle injury in last Friday night’s loss to Parramatta.
A decision will be made during the week as to whether he will undergo surgery, which could see him miss this year’s Origin series as well.
The incident has sparked debate in the rugby league community after Parramatta forward Junior Paulo was placed on report for dangerous contact.
Originally published as NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos points differential the worst since 2016 Newcastle Knights