NRL 2023: Brisbane Broncos have built a premiership winning calibre team

The Brisbane Broncos have not tasted premiership success for 17 long years, but one of the sharpest minds in the game says that is about to end.

Ezra Mam brings the ‘x-factor’ to Brisbane’s attack. Picture: Getty Images

Three-time premiership-winning Roosters coach Trent Robinson has declared the Broncos are the real deal and can smash their 17-year title drought this season.

The ‘Kev-olution’ is in full swing at Red Hill with coach Kevin Walters having turned Brisbane from wooden spooners to title contenders in the space of three years _ highlighted by their Roosters rout on Thursday night.

The Roosters started this season as premiership favourites but Brisbane’s 32-10 trouncing of the Tri-Colours at the Gabba has put the Broncos within striking distance of their first minor premiership in 23 years.

Ladder leaders the Broncos have won 15 games ahead of next Saturday’s derby blockbuster against the Cowboys in Townsville and Walters’ troops are on track to equal or surpass Brisbane’s club record of 18 regular-season victories.

Ezra Mam brings the ‘x-factor’ to Brisbane’s attack. Picture: Getty Images

One of the most successful coaches in the modern era, Robinson knows what it takes to win titles and the Roosters mentor is adamant halfback maestro Adam Reynolds can steer Brisbane to their first premiership since 2006.

Asked if the Broncos have the roster to win the title this season, Robinson said: “Definitely. They have got a very athletic team and then they have a guy (Reynolds) who pulls the strings through his kicking.

“The kicking is really important to them and they are staying in the game for longer periods.

“That was a real positive for them (on Thursday night) and it has been this year.

“Yes, they are one of a few who have an opportunity at the moment and we’ll see when it gets to the big time.”

Brisbane capitulated in the final six weeks last season to miss the finals by one win, but Walters promised to inject a harder edge and the Broncos mentor has delivered.

The Broncos’ 25.2 points per game is their best offensive output in 21 years, while talismanic halfback Reynolds leads the league for try assists with 23 from just 19 appearances.

The Broncos leaked a whopping 550 points last season at 23 per game, but this year they have conceded just 17.5 per match to qualify for the finals for the first time since 2019.

Walters, who won five premierships as a Broncos player, is adamant Brisbane have the belief to go all the way and he warned NRL rivals his squad has yet to hit top gear.

“There is still more to come,” Walters said.

“When I first took the job over (in 2021), I thought we could win the comp and we finished 14th, so there’s a lot of work for us still to do.

“I know we aren’t the complete side yet and the players in there know that, but what’s exciting about this group is they are just working really hard for each other.

“We have some great talent in the room.

(L-R) Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Roosters chats to Adam Reynolds after their game.

“That first half I don’t think I’ve seen us play as physical and as controlled, so we need to maintain that defence and keep driving it each week.”

Broncos legend Gorden Tallis said Brisbane’s ability to shift gears and put the Roosters away so comfortably was a sign of their premiership quality.

“It was a danger game for Brisbane, but they were just too classy,” Tallis said on Fox League.

“’Gus’ (Phil) Gould (Bulldogs football boss) said they can’t win the premiership with their defence but they turned it around.

“Brisbane got the wooden spoon a few years ago but their forward pack was always hard working.

“They were like a Ferrari with no-one steering it, but they have bought Adam Reynolds and now they have X-factor in (Selwyn) Cobbo, Ezra Mam and Kotoni Staggs.

“You have to win the battle and earn the right to play footy.

“Our attitude (during Brisbane’s six premiership wins between 1992-2006) was beat them up early and score the points late and this team is doing that.”