Why Broncos review into 2024 NRL season must be an open book for fans

The analysis of Brisbane’s horror finish to the 2024 season needs to be an open book. And no, it’s not as unfair as players would have you believe, writes PAMELA WHALEY.

Not sure if you’ve been paying attention, but the Broncos are being pulled apart like a cob loaf.

Only there’s no delicious, warm filling here.

Just the cold, miserable truth.

Harsh as it may be, the only way to move forward is to confront the mistakes of the past year.

Everything from the roster, the captaincy, coaching staff, individual stats and performances through to recruitment and succession plans will be examined like a palaeontologist uncovering something long dead.

And it’s important fans know about it.

The Broncos must confront the mistakes of the past year. Picture: NRL Photos

It’s crucial they have a written history of the trauma. If they’re able to stomach it, that is.

Because it’s the one relationship the Broncos cannot afford to lose.

Transparency is the only way to re-establish trust with such a passionate and engaged fan base. One which affords the Broncos enviable advantages as the biggest NRL franchise.

A favourable draw. World class facilities. Big crowds. A booming economy for the club, players and associated businesses and sponsors.

Through the good times and the terrible, it is only fair that relationship goes both ways.

That’s the contract between supporters and the club they are asked to turn up for.

And so, the analysis of this year’s horror finish needs to be an open book. And no, it’s not as unfair as players would have you believe.

Unfair is watching a season snuffed out with such hopeless performances after being so close to glory just 12 months ago.

Criticism is part of the deal every NRL coach signs up for. It’s one of the many reasons coaches are paid so well.

Kevin Walters, more than anyone else, understands that.

He lived through the glory days and welcomed the unrelenting spotlight, and has done his time working in the media too.

He stepped into the furnace knowing it could burn.

Players too. If you get the peaks of a Broncos contract you get the pits too.

That’s the deal.

But perhaps the most meaningful examination needs to come from the players themselves, who must look in the mirror and be honest about what they see.

They get paid either way, but it’s a whole lot more fun to live with yourself when you’re winning.

And another thing...

While the Broncos have meetings, the Cowboys are having a party.

North Queensland is the best side in the state at the moment and coach Todd Payten deserves all the credit for a wonderful rebuilding job with minimal roster changes in 2024.

The Cowboys were in a similar spot to the Broncos last year, less of both extremes.

After a top three finish in 2022 they crashed out of finals contention just 12 months later in an unexpected plummet that was also heavily scrutinised.

The Cowboys are all smiles heading into the NRL finals. Picture: Getty Images

Payten’s job was under pressure to start this season, but despite that, he was brave enough to make some big calls that have since paid off.

A switch of captaincy, axing experienced duo Jason Taumalolo and Chad Townsend for next generation stars Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter was a stroke of genius.

They moved into the future with only minor tweaks.

And after thumping the Bulldogs on Saturday night they’ve put themselves in a position to cause havoc over the next month.

Bring it on.

Originally published as Why Broncos review into 2024 NRL season must be an open book for fans