Last year’s grand finalists now face weekly do-or-die matches to keep their finals hopes alive. Despite recent struggles and the impending absence of key players Reece Walsh and Payne Haas, Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters boldly insists his team will still make the finals.
The Broncos are grappling with injuries at a crucial moment, with Walsh sidelined by a hand injury and Haas dealing with a foot issue. Both will miss the pivotal Battle of Brisbane derby against the Dolphins.
Both teams are in a fierce scramble for a finals spot, with the St George Illawarra Dragons also in contention, threatening to dash the hopes of the two Queensland sides.
Walters remains confident.
“We will play finals,” he declared.
“There’s no ‘if’ about it; we’re going to make the finals. But we’ve got to play well next week against Redcliffe,” he added.
Brisbane’s win over Parramatta provided a morale boost, but analysts have pointed out that the Eels’ 2024 season has them battling to avoid the wooden spoon, suggesting that anything less than a convincing win would have been a disappointment.
“It wasn’t the start we wanted; we went against everything we talked about leading up to the game. But I admire the team’s courage to stay in it and fight hard through that first half.”
The narrow victory over Parramatta has kept their finals hopes alive, but Walters was clear that a repeat performance wouldn’t cut it against the Dolphins.
“We didn’t play well, and we still managed to win, but if we play like that next week against the Dolphins, we won’t get the same result,” he cautioned.
It’s unlikely that either Reece Walsh or Payne Haas will be available for the crucial clash.
Adam Reynolds was candid about his own performance after the win over Parramatta.
“There was a lot on the line. There were moments in the game I was happy with, but also moments I’m not proud of.”
The Broncos’ current form is a stark contrast to last season when they were just 20 minutes away from becoming premiers.
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