Will EvansBrisbane Broncos - 2008 in Review
October 21st 2008 02:48
The unfortunate reality of season 2008 for the Broncos is that it will ultimately be remembered for a series of off-field incidents late in the year. The sexual assault allegations levelled against internationals Karmichael Hunt, Sam Thaiday and Darius Boyd, the 'manhandling' of a bar manager by squeaky-clean skipper Darren Lockyer, and the recent arrest of star halfback Peter Wallace, have taken the gloss of a year of significant achievement on the paddock. Many predicted a slide down the table for the Broncos after the departure of Test representatives Petero Civoniceva, Shaun Berrigan, Brent Tate, Brad Thorn and Dane Carlaw and the pre-season announcement that Wayne Bennett would be ending his two-decade association with the club at season's end. But Brisbane kept touch with the competition front-runners all season, despite sporadic appearances from Lockyer in the first half of the season as he overcame complications from a knee reconstruction, and were less than a minute from a probable grand final appearance - succumbing to defending premiers Melbourne in heartbreaking circumstances as Greg Inglis crossed in the dying seconds. Consistency denied them a chance at challenging for the minor premiership - they failed to put together more than three consecutive wins during the regular season. The major plus was the emergence of Penrith recruit Wallace who went from virtual unknown to NSW Origin halfback, and became the Broncos' first dominant No. 7 since the retirement of Allan Langer in 2002.
The Best: Wallace was outstanding in confidently steering the side around, while Sam Thaiday had his best-ever season and was awarded the club's official player of the year gong. Hunt was typically inspirational and Ben Hannant was the cornerstone of the Broncos' pack. But it's hard to go past Bulldogs-bound hooker Michael Ennis, whose creative play around the ruck gave Brisbane another dimension in attack. He attracted criticism for his niggling style of play, but Ennis was a consistent match-winner in 2008.
The Disappointments: Big-name forward recruits Joel Clinton and Ashton Sims failed to fire despite keeping their places in first grade all season. While his form on the park was superb, two suspensions to Justin Hodges totalling eight weeks robbed the club of their biggest strike weapon for too much of the campaign.
The Improvers: Denan Kemp was one of the best wingers in the competition, crossing for 19 to be second in the NRL. His tally included a matchwinning and club record-equalling haul of four against Parramatta, and tries in each of the Broncos' finals matches, finishing off sweeping movements with determined runs in traffic. But his work in defence and under the high ball were first rate as well - the Warriors have recruited a potential superstar. Nick Kenny continued his steady improvement and will push for a starting spot in the pack in 2009.
The Rookies: Kemp picked up the club's award, although he made four appearances last season. The standout was probably stocky winger Kaine Manihera, who was unlucky to make way for Joel Moon late in the year after nine solid, mistake-free performances. Toyota Cup guns Josh Hoffman and Andrew McCullough were blooded in 2008 and are sure to feature in Ivan Henjak's plans for next season.
The Recruits: Clinton and Sims won't quite be classed as dud buys, but more would have been expected of them. Hooker PJ Marsh faded into Queensland Cup obscurity after making a shock return to the Origin arena on the Maroons' bench. Greenhorn halfback Wallace made up for those disappointments with a stellar season, and after having his contract extended, is set to be the player the club is built around once Darren Lockyer retires.
Best Performance: It would be hard to top the 24-16 win over the Roosters on the opening night of the finals after trailing 14-2, and then 16-8 at halftime. The Broncos withstood a brutally physical opening from Brad Fittler's men, then overran them with breathtaking attack, including a 12-pass try to Denan Kemp. The loss to the Storm a week later was another monumental effort - particularly after the sexual assault allegations had swamped the club during the week - and if they hadn't been pipped with 45 seconds to go it would have gone down as the club's greatest-ever victory. Special mentions go to the last-round win over Newcastle to farewell Bennett and Tonie Carroll, and the 'Baby Broncos' 12-all draw with Penrith.
Worst Performance: A toss-up between a shock loss to an SBW-inspired Bulldogs side at Suncorp, and a lacklustre win over the badly out of touch Cowboys a week later, a showing that Bennett publicly admonished his troops for.
Cliffhangers: The Round 11 clash with Parramatta was a see-sawing affair destined for extra-time - until Darren Lockyer stepped in. Locked at 26-all, the skipper, who was making yet another comeback from injury, scooped up an ordinary pass on the buzzer. Unable to set for a field goal, Lockyer put in a pinpoint crossfield kick for Denan Kemp, who collected it and scampered 30 metres for his fourth of the night and the win.
Lockyer stole another win for his team late in the year against the Titans. The Broncos recovered from a halftime deficit before Lockyer and Scott Prince traded field goals to send the game into golden point. Taking the ball on halfway on the last tackle, Lockyer found space outside him and backed up on the inside to send Greg Eastwood over for a miraculous try and another remarkable win.
Heartbreakers: The last-ditch loss to Storm was gut-wrenching. The sight of Darren Lockyer screaming out in anguish and frustration several times after the siren epitomised the nature of the defeat.
2009 Prospects: They will be argubably the most heavily scrutinised club in the NRL next season after the scourge of alcohol-related incidents this year, combined with the fact they will be under the guidance of a rookie coach in Ivan Henjak - just the second mentor in the club's history. The Broncos have once again lost some key personnel - Ennis, Hannant, Kemp, Boyd, Carroll and Greg Eastwood leave a sizeable gap in the club's roster. But they have recruited astutely with up-and-coming back-rowers Ben Te'o and Lagi Setu and the imminent signing of goalkicking rake Aaron Gorrell. But the big buy is 19-year old Melbourne superstar Israel Folau. The prospect of his combination with Justin Hodges is mouthwatering and has the potential to be one of the great club centre pairings. Brisbane will draw the customary flood of pre-season detractors, but will find themselves comfortably inside the top-six once again in 2009.
The Best: Wallace was outstanding in confidently steering the side around, while Sam Thaiday had his best-ever season and was awarded the club's official player of the year gong. Hunt was typically inspirational and Ben Hannant was the cornerstone of the Broncos' pack. But it's hard to go past Bulldogs-bound hooker Michael Ennis, whose creative play around the ruck gave Brisbane another dimension in attack. He attracted criticism for his niggling style of play, but Ennis was a consistent match-winner in 2008.
The Disappointments: Big-name forward recruits Joel Clinton and Ashton Sims failed to fire despite keeping their places in first grade all season. While his form on the park was superb, two suspensions to Justin Hodges totalling eight weeks robbed the club of their biggest strike weapon for too much of the campaign.
The Improvers: Denan Kemp was one of the best wingers in the competition, crossing for 19 to be second in the NRL. His tally included a matchwinning and club record-equalling haul of four against Parramatta, and tries in each of the Broncos' finals matches, finishing off sweeping movements with determined runs in traffic. But his work in defence and under the high ball were first rate as well - the Warriors have recruited a potential superstar. Nick Kenny continued his steady improvement and will push for a starting spot in the pack in 2009.
The Rookies: Kemp picked up the club's award, although he made four appearances last season. The standout was probably stocky winger Kaine Manihera, who was unlucky to make way for Joel Moon late in the year after nine solid, mistake-free performances. Toyota Cup guns Josh Hoffman and Andrew McCullough were blooded in 2008 and are sure to feature in Ivan Henjak's plans for next season.
The Recruits: Clinton and Sims won't quite be classed as dud buys, but more would have been expected of them. Hooker PJ Marsh faded into Queensland Cup obscurity after making a shock return to the Origin arena on the Maroons' bench. Greenhorn halfback Wallace made up for those disappointments with a stellar season, and after having his contract extended, is set to be the player the club is built around once Darren Lockyer retires.
Best Performance: It would be hard to top the 24-16 win over the Roosters on the opening night of the finals after trailing 14-2, and then 16-8 at halftime. The Broncos withstood a brutally physical opening from Brad Fittler's men, then overran them with breathtaking attack, including a 12-pass try to Denan Kemp. The loss to the Storm a week later was another monumental effort - particularly after the sexual assault allegations had swamped the club during the week - and if they hadn't been pipped with 45 seconds to go it would have gone down as the club's greatest-ever victory. Special mentions go to the last-round win over Newcastle to farewell Bennett and Tonie Carroll, and the 'Baby Broncos' 12-all draw with Penrith.
Worst Performance: A toss-up between a shock loss to an SBW-inspired Bulldogs side at Suncorp, and a lacklustre win over the badly out of touch Cowboys a week later, a showing that Bennett publicly admonished his troops for.
Cliffhangers: The Round 11 clash with Parramatta was a see-sawing affair destined for extra-time - until Darren Lockyer stepped in. Locked at 26-all, the skipper, who was making yet another comeback from injury, scooped up an ordinary pass on the buzzer. Unable to set for a field goal, Lockyer put in a pinpoint crossfield kick for Denan Kemp, who collected it and scampered 30 metres for his fourth of the night and the win.
Lockyer stole another win for his team late in the year against the Titans. The Broncos recovered from a halftime deficit before Lockyer and Scott Prince traded field goals to send the game into golden point. Taking the ball on halfway on the last tackle, Lockyer found space outside him and backed up on the inside to send Greg Eastwood over for a miraculous try and another remarkable win.
Heartbreakers: The last-ditch loss to Storm was gut-wrenching. The sight of Darren Lockyer screaming out in anguish and frustration several times after the siren epitomised the nature of the defeat.
2009 Prospects: They will be argubably the most heavily scrutinised club in the NRL next season after the scourge of alcohol-related incidents this year, combined with the fact they will be under the guidance of a rookie coach in Ivan Henjak - just the second mentor in the club's history. The Broncos have once again lost some key personnel - Ennis, Hannant, Kemp, Boyd, Carroll and Greg Eastwood leave a sizeable gap in the club's roster. But they have recruited astutely with up-and-coming back-rowers Ben Te'o and Lagi Setu and the imminent signing of goalkicking rake Aaron Gorrell. But the big buy is 19-year old Melbourne superstar Israel Folau. The prospect of his combination with Justin Hodges is mouthwatering and has the potential to be one of the great club centre pairings. Brisbane will draw the customary flood of pre-season detractors, but will find themselves comfortably inside the top-six once again in 2009.
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