Allan Langer and Cameron Smith turn blowtorch on underperforming Broncos

Alfie Langer and Cam Smith have unleashed a rare attack on the Broncos roster, saying the public criticism of the coach is masking the real problem and that the solution lies with the players themselves.

Brisbane legend Allan Langer has accused the besieged Broncos of lacking team spirit and made an impassioned plea for senior players to stop the rot at Red Hill.

Langer’s stance came as Queensland Origin great Cameron Smith also unleashed a rare attack on Broncos stars, saying coaches shouldn’t be blamed for Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought.

New Broncos coach Michael Maguire is under pressure to kickstart Brisbane’s title charge after last Sunday’s insipid 30-26 loss to the Dragons, which sent the glamour club crashing out of the top eight into ninth spot.

While the Broncos enjoy a bye weekend going into Origin I next Wednesday night, they face a daunting road trip to face Manly on Saturday week with a shaky 5-6 record.

Maguire has been buffeted by reports of dressing-room unrest and that his training sessions are too hard, but ‘Alfie’ Langer challenged the playing group to take ownership.

It’s time for the Brisbane playing roster to take ownership of their results. Picture: Getty Images

“They are lacking team spirit at the moment,” said Langer, regarded as the greatest Bronco in the club’s history.

“The senior players have to get the group together and work out what is going wrong.

“Because it’s hard for the coaching staff or anyone outside the playing group.

“They have to realise what’s happening out there and what they can do for each other to improve.

(L-R) Allan Langer and Cameron Smith.

“It doesn’t look great watching it, especially the last few weeks.”

Langer found an ally in Smith, the most-capped player in NRL and State of Origin history.

Rated a future NRL Immortal, the Storm’s 430-game champion, who won three premierships and 11 Origin titles, is sick of seeing a slew of coaches sacked at the Broncos.

Smith believes the Broncos have a premiership-winning roster and urged Brisbane’s squad to start performing on a consistent basis.

Michael 'Madge' Maguire has copped the bulk of the criticism for Brisbane’s performances. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“With the Broncos, there needs to be a bit of accountability ... not a bit, sorry, I should say a lot of accountability from the players,” said Channel 9 expert analyst Smith, who worked with ex-Storm assistant Maguire at Melbourne.

“A lot of the talk you hear about the Broncos ... when they fail to win these games, you look back over the last few years, you hear that Anthony Seibold (former coach) was too technical.

“Kevin Walters (Maguire’s predecessor last year) wanted to be everyone’s friend.

“Now, with ‘Madge’ he is too strict, he is too hard.

“Forget about that boys – go and play football.

“They are all talented footballers, they are all NRL players.

“Just go out and get the job done.”

The Broncos lacked energy, forward mongrel and backline cohesion in recent losses to Penrith and the Dragons, prompting Langer to raise concerns over Brisbane’s desire.

“It’s been disappointing,” said 258-game icon Langer, a four-time Broncos premiership winner.

“They just seem to have lost that competitive edge.

“It’s a tough one for Michael Maguire to answer because just seeing them against the Dragons, they aren’t as competitive as I’ve seen them.

“They aren’t moving their feet as much and they seemed out on their feet in the second half.

“Hopefully the bye gives them a break and a bit of a freshen up.”

Originally published as Allan Langer and Cameron Smith turn blowtorch on underperforming Broncos