NRL 2024: Brisbane Broncos’ lack of intent against the Eels spells the end of their premiership hopes

They may sneak into the finals, but Brisbane’s slow start against the Eels revealed they are lacking the killer instinct to go back to the grand final this season. Plus, vote for your Queensland player of the week.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Maika Sivo of the Eels is tackled by Adam Reynolds of the Broncos during the round 25 NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium, on August 23, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

The first 12 minutes of Brisbane’s must-win game on Friday night was a clear indication that the Broncos will not win the NRL premiership in 2024.

Parramatta looked like a finals-bound team as fearless expansive play saw the lowly Eels run in three tries before Broncos fans had even found their seats.

The lack of defensive intent and communication was astounding for a team that needs to be perfect to scrape into the top eight.

While Brisbane still has a mathematical chance of making finals, the defensive fragility on display from the opening whistle means they have about as much chance of hoisting the Provan-Summons Trophy this year as the Wallabies have of winning back the Bledisloe.

The Broncos dug their way out of Friday’s 16-0 hole to claim a brave 30-24 victory and keep in touch with the eighth-placed Dragons, thanks in part to a sensational return by Selwyn Cobbo.

Maika Sivo ran riot early in the match. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Brisbane’s devastating duo of Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs ran rampant on the right edge, breaking through a combined 19 tackles as the hosts ran in 30 straight points before Shaun Lane scored an admittedly soft consolation try in the final 10 minutes.

Coach Kevin Walters said it was frustrating to watch his team stray from the game plan so early.

“It wasn’t a very good start from our fellas, it went against everything that we spoke about to start,” Walters said.

“It was a much-needed win. It wasn’t that pretty but they hung in there well.”

The Broncos, much like the Cowboys and to a lesser extent the Dolphins and Titans, have shown they have the firepower to outscore most teams in the competition, but rugby league is a simple game and premierships are won on defence.

The competition’s top five – who look a cut above the rest of the NRL – have all conceded fewer than 400 points while the Cowboys and Broncos have each let in more than 500.

The Broncos were punished for their slow start. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

The Bulldogs’ stunning resurgence has been built off their incredible defence and their ability to stay in games for the entire 80 minutes.

Canterbury has not conceded a second-half point since August 4.

That kind of defence will be the only way to keep the likes of Melbourne, Penrith, the Roosters and Cronulla from claiming yet another piece of silverware after this year’s decider – as evidenced in 2023 when Brisbane led 24-8 with a quarter of the match to play.

The Dolphins and Titans showed what happens when a team comes up against the best without brick wall defensive resolve, both blown out of the water this weekend by true contenders.

North Queensland’s work in round 24 to contain Canberra to four points was the Cowboys’ best defensive effort of the year, but whether they have truly turned a corner will be revealed in the next fortnight with games against the Storm and Bulldogs to round out the season.