‘They’ve clocked off’: Broncos at risk of ‘remarkable’ NRL embarrassment

The Broncos are suddenly at risk of missing finals, and two club legends say an elephant in the room is no “excuse” for their poor form.

A pivotal stretch of winnable games will decide the fate of the Brisbane Broncos, who risk falling out finals contention if their losing streak continues.

The Broncos sit 11th on the NRL ladder on 18 points, having lost their last five games to Penrith, the Warriors, Rabbitohs, Sharks and Titans in a horror mid-season slump.

Last year’s grand finalists take on the Dragons on Saturday in what looms as a must win game as the race for finals heats up.

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There are nine teams between the fifth played Bulldogs on 22 points and the 13th placed Rabbitohs on 18 points, with finals positions still very much up for grabs.

Broncos legends Corey Parker says his old side simply has to win games now, and can’t take the Dragons, Knights, Bulldogs and Titans lightly in their upcoming matches.

“You can’t sugar-coat where they’re at. They’ve lost five in a row,” Parker told news.com.au.

“If they have another loss, they could finish the round as low as 15th position, which (would be) remarkable, a huge fall from where they were last year.

“The eyes are firmly on Brisbane. Five losses in a row, it’s un-Bronco like. This game is huge for Broncos. The pressure is mounting.

“Will they make the top eight? They’re on 18 points and so are the Rabbitohs, who copped so much criticism for their start to the season. It’s hard to fathom at the moment.”

The Broncos have lost five in a row and risk missing finals. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Many predicted the Broncos to once again be the main challenger to Penrith this season, but instead it’s the Storm and Roosters who look most likely to end the Panthers dynasty.

“To me, it’s defence that’s been their biggest falldown from last year to this year,” Parker said.

“Last year there was a real resilience to them. They defended their errors, they channelled their energy into the finer defensive details of the game and off the back of that they were able to score plenty of points.

“Complacency is a word that gets thrown around, but before this season I said if the Broncos feel they are just going to roll back into another grand final, they’ve got another thing coming.

“You’ve got to be prepared to pay the same price. It’s doesn’t just come. You’ve got to earn it and earn it every week. I think it’s probably fair to say they’ve clocked off in a few areas, only for moments, but that’s all it takes in the NRL.

“They haven’t been resilient for long enough.

“Grand finals are so hard to make. It’s remarkable to think the Panthers have played in four straight and look like going to another one.”

The Broncos are in a race to make the top eight. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Parker said the Broncos had to focus on sharpening up the basics of the game.

“Whether that’s third man in at the tackle to slow things down, kick pressure, pushing up in the defensive line, kick chase — all those things put together over 80 minutes,” he said.

“Attack is not their issue. Defence is a mindset, it’s an attitude. They’ve had lapses more than they’d like and it’s cost them games.

“They can’t be looking any further than the Dragons this week. All these games, while you look at them and go, ‘Well Brisbane should win’ or they’re an easier contest, guess what? They’re not.”

“If they lose this week and other results go against them, they could be as low as 15th.”

Fox League is the only destination to watch the Brisbane Broncos live until round 25, available on KAYO.

The Broncos have stuttered during the State of Origin period without Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan and Selwyn Cobbo.

Club legend Steve Renouf said the Broncos have always struggled during Origin periods, but Parker believes they simply have to find a way to keep winning like their rivals.

“This hasn’t been our best Origin period, to be honest,” Renouf told news.com.au.

“We’ve always had that problem at the Broncos since day dot. Some years we do well, some years we don’t.

“On top of that we don’t have Adam Reynolds.

Adam Reynolds’ injury is having an impact. Picture: Liam Kidston

“They were OK against Penrith. I notice sometimes in their attack zone they look a bit lost. I think that happens under pressure.

“It’s good they’re playing heads-up footy but we don’t need to score on every play, and I think they getting that.

“I really think they can (make finals). If we win this week and get all our players back from Origin duties, we’re looking OK.

“When these boys put it together without the stars, they can play some really good footy.”

Parker said: “I look at teams like Penrith and Melbourne and they’re still winning. I don’t think Melbourne have had back to back games with Munster, Grant, Papenhuyzen and Hughes together. That’s their spine. But they’re still finding a way to win.

“You find a way to win. Melbourne haven’t been pretty at stages this year but guess what, a W is a W. It still counts for two points.

“Don’t find an excuse to come up, find a solution.”

Broncos fans can have a beer with Gordie and Reno. Photo: Kayo Sports.

Another factor in the Broncos’ demise is the absence of veteran halfback Adam Reynolds, who is still out with an injured bicep.

Renouf believes the Broncos have looked lost without Reynolds, and tipped the 34-year-old to move into Brisbane’s coaching box if he decides to retire at season’s end.

“I think he’ll move into coaching,” Renouf said.

“What a player to have. When you see what he brings to training and on the field, he’s got their utmost respect.

“If he does call it quits, he’ll definitely have a spot in the coaching squad with Kevvie.”

Ahead of Saturday night’s game against between the Broncos and Dragons, Kayo subscribers can gain entry to the Caxton and enjoy 2 free drinks with Broncos legends Gorden Tallis and Steve Renouf.