NRL 2024: Broncos’ finals hopes slipping as Bulldogs win 41-16

The Broncos hopes of avenging last year’s grand final defeat is all but over, with their finals dream in tatters after being stunned by the Bulldogs in a Suncorp Stadium slaughter.

The Broncos finals dream for 2024 is all but over, after going down to the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

The Broncos are on the verge of bombing out of the 2024 NRL premiership race after being stunned 41-16 by the Bulldogs in a Suncorp Stadium slaughter.

Brisbane’s hopes of avenging last year’s grand final defeat are on the brink of collapse following their seventh loss in eight games.

A Connor Tracey hat-trick helped Canterbury snap a 13-game run of consecutive losses at Suncorp Stadium and silenced the sold-out crowd of 42,213 in a Saturday afternoon stunner.

It was Brisbane’s fifth straight loss at home and the Broncos must win their five remaining regular season matches to have any hope of finishing in the top eight.

The Broncos finals dream for 2024 is all but over, after going down to the Bulldogs. Picture: Getty Images

FINALS FODDER

They are still a mathematical chance but do the Broncos deserve to play finals?

Given some of the garbage football they’ve played at times over the past few months the answer is no.

The Broncos had everything on the line in front of a huge home crowd but came out lethargic, sloppy and lacking desire as Canterbury shot out to a 16-0 lead.

Brisbane’s condensed defence was continually exposed and Selwyn Cobbo looked asleep on the wing as unheralded Bulldogs rival Jeral Skelton racked up 268m and a try.

Instead of well-executed play, it took individual brilliance from Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs to keep the Broncos in the contest at halftime.

But the Broncos were just papering over the cracks and when floodgates opened after the break Brisbane had no answers.

It said a lot about the effort that Broncos fans were streaming out of Suncorp with 15 minutes to go and a “Bulldogs” chant rang out.

If the Broncos lose to the Titans next Saturday it’s game over for 2024 in what will be a massive failure.

The Bulldogs are building something special in 2024, and could be set for a return to finals football. Picture: Getty Images

DOGS OF WAR

They’re probably not a premiership contender this year but the Bulldogs are building something special under Cameron Ciraldo.

Having lost their past 13 matches at Suncorp, and missing key players Stephen Crichton, Josh Addo-Carr and Max King, the Dogs had plenty of excuses.

Instead, they burst out to a 16-0 lead thanks to some adventurous play and dogged defence that has become a trademark of the club this year.

Tracey upstaged Walsh, Jacob Preston terrorised the Broncos and centres Jacob Kiraz and Bronson Xerri were a handful.

The Bulldogs may not have the class to win the 2024 title but they are well-coached and will be tough to beat if they feature in the finals.

SUBLIME STAGGS

Staggs submitted a contender for try-of-the-year with a scintillating play to keep the Broncos in the game.

With just seconds remaining in the first half, and the Broncos trailing 16-4, Ezra Mam went for a Hail Mary play and grubber kicked on Brisbane’s 20m line.

Staggs latched on to the ball and raced 70m along the sideline, beating multiple Dogs defenders to bring it back to 16-10 at the break.

His terrific try was a just reward after Staggs produced a number of big defensive plays when the Broncos were on the ropes.

Unfortunately it was in vain as the Broncos stunk it up in the second half.

Originally published as NRL 2024: Broncos’ finals hopes slipping as Bulldogs win 41-16