Salary cap struggles, rockstar temptations: Burning issues facing Brisbane Broncos in 2024

The Broncos fell agonisingly short of hoisting the NRL trophy in 2023, but now the hunters become the hunted. We reveal the biggest obstacles facing Kevin Walters’ team.

The Broncos launch their 2024 pre-season on Thursday and this time there’s nowhere to hide.

Largely written off last season after missing the finals in 2022, the Broncos embarked on a brilliant surge which stunned the league, charging into the top four on their way to a dream grand-final appearance.

The Broncos fell agonisingly short of hoisting the NRL trophy, but next year the hunters become the hunted. PETER BADEL and TRAVIS MEYN analyse the 10 burning issues that will determine whether the Broncos smash their 18-year title hoodoo in 2024.

1. SCAR TISSUE

Can the Broncos truly recover mentally from their grand-final heartbreak?

They are saying all the right things, but Brisbane must feel like the $20 million Powerball pensioner who lost his winning ticket on the way to the newsagent.

It will take a huge mental effort to return to have another crack at climbing Everest, but this time taking one final step to the title summit.

The Broncos of 2015 lost in similar crushing circumstances to the Cowboys in that year’s NRL grand final. The following season, the Broncos bombed out in the second week of the finals. Like premiers Penrith, everyone will step up to knock off the Broncos in 2024.

Expectations are high in 2024 for Kevin Walters and his Broncos. Picture: Adam Head

2. LIFE COACH KEV

This is the most important pre-season of Kevin Walters’ career. Walters enters his fourth season in charge of the Broncos and he has done a superb job gradually improving the club from 14th to ninth to second spot.

Walters and his front-office have implemented the structures to make the Broncos a title contender, but can they remain a consistent finals force? Walters must turn ‘mind coach’ over summer, re-booting his players mentally, while ensuring he introduces new ideas to keep the playing group fresh and stimulated for the grind of another brutal NRL campaign.

3. TRIPLE THREAT

Few clubs have suffered the triple roster blow that has hit the Broncos. Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler and Keenan Palasia were all key members of Brisbane’s grand-final squad and their departures will erode the quality of their top 17.

Palasia was a versatile, underrated component of their forward rotation. Farnworth developed into one of the best centres in the league with his speed, size and workrate out of his own end and Flegler is perhaps the biggest loss of all. The Dolphins-bound prop matured enormously last season and formed the perfect 1-2 punch with Payne Haas.

There is no-one in the current Broncos squad that can replace his aggression and intimidation.

Can Adam Reynolds step up again for the Broncos? Picture: AFP

4. ADAM BOMB

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Will Reynolds hit the wall next season? That’s the $1 million question as the Broncos bank on their talismanic skipper to continue Brisbane’s roll and finally snap the club’s 18-year title drought.

Reynolds turns 34 next July and he has punched well above his weight for many years. His courage is remarkable, but many NRL players in their 30s can fall off a cliff quickly.

Queensland Origin halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, 35 in February, showed this year it’s possible to fire in the NRL approaching your mid-30s.

If Reynolds still has the drive and hunger, there’s no reason he can’t take Brisbane to the Holy Grail in 2024.

5. REECE LIGHTNING 2.0

Reece Walsh hit the NRL like a tsunami last season. Can ‘Reece Lightning’ strike twice in 2024?

The Queensland Origin fullback is now one of the undoubted mega-stars of the NRL and potentially the most bankable player in the code. His form this year – in his return to Red Hill after a stint at the Warriors – was simply electric and when he was on song, the Broncos were untouchable.

At 21, he could dominate the NRL for another decade, but every opponent will be working over-time to shut him down.

Walsh has the work ethic to suggest he won’t relent and the Broncos need him to avoid injury and a major form slump to be a title contender.

Thomas Flegler is off to the Dolphins. Picture: Dolphins Instagram

6. SALARY CAP JUGGLE

A downside of success in the NRL is salary cap headaches – just ask the Panthers.

The Broncos have lost three quality players in Flegler, Farnworth and Palasia and are now facing a delicate salary cap juggling act.

The likes of Walsh and Ezra Mam will command huge salary increases in their next deal while Reynolds wants to play on in 2025.

Can the Broncos retain the best talent in this squad or will they continue to lose more crucial players?

7. NEW FACES

Despite losing some key players, the Broncos have prioritised retention over splashing cash in the recruitment market.

It’s a policy that can pay dividends long-term, but the squad can become stale if it’s not refreshed to some degree.

Brisbane’s most notable signing so far for 2024 is Roosters prop Fletcher Baker, who will be out to prove a point after not getting much of a go in Sydney.

Dragons forward Jaiyden Hunt is another pick-up looking to make a name for himself, but there’s not a lot of new talent arriving at Red Hill.

Broncos flyer Deine Mariner could play left centre. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

8. POSITIONAL CHANGES

Walters has some key selection calls to get right heading into a new season.

Who will replace Farnworth at left centre? Deine Mariner looks to be the long-term option, but Jesse Arthars could shift in from the wing.

A starting prop berth is also up for grabs following Flegler’s departure.

The Haas-Flegler-Carrigan combination was one of the NRL’s best middle forwards trios last season and Walters will want to keep that momentum.

9. RED HILL ROCKSTARS

While Brisbane’s 2023 season was a fantastic achievement, the reality is the Broncos are entering the 18th year of a premiership drought.

They have suffered arguably the two most agonising grand final losses in NRL history and are still searching for their first title since 2006.

If the Broncos go into 2024 with the wrong attitude they will quickly get found out.

The Panthers have continually defied the odds, winning the past three premierships, thanks to a relentless desire to become better and keep proving their critics wrong.

If the Broncos become rockstars who think they have cracked the code they will be in for a long year.

10. ORIGIN GRIND

The Broncos had a relatively blessed year on the injury front, heading into the grand final with essentially their best 17 available for selection.

That may not be the case next year and they will also have to overcome another taxing Origin period.

The likes of Carrigan, Haas, Walsh and Cobbo will be in the Origin mix again while Mam, Staggs and Piakura will be pushing for selection.

If the Broncos lose their way during Origin it could be difficult to get their season back on track.

Originally published as Salary cap struggles, rockstar temptations: Burning issues facing Brisbane Broncos in 2024