Oh, Brisbane. A team with so much promise but issues across the year plagued the Brisbane Broncos in 2021. 

There does seem to be a bit of a resurgence given both their form at the back-end of last year and the addition of Ben Ikin to the decision-making process.

As other teams also get better around them, though, are the Broncos destined for finals glory again?

Several key additions will go a long way to complement existing stars but just how long do they need to gel?

Reynolds, a crucial piece of the puzzle

Putting aside the fact that South Sydney was so willing to let him go, the Broncos signing Adam Reynolds cannot be understated.

Not since Ben Hunt and even as far back as Darren Lockyer, have the Broncos had a genuine halves presence at their disposal.

It isn’t the number of points he has scored, his goalkicking prowess, or even his experience that are most crucial to this Broncos side.

No, it is something that has everything to do with how Reynolds approaches the game and what he has built his game on.

Controlling games. This sounds simple and easier said than done and yet is something that so many halves fail to do regularly.

Reynolds’ innate ability to dictate the terms of a game purely on the back of his kicking game and ridiculous accuracy will propel the Broncos forward.

Newly signed Brisbane Broncos half Adam Reynolds

His game management is up there with some of the greatest of the modern era and gives the Broncos some presence they have so sorely missed.

The Broncos were rolled far too often in both 2020 and 2021 and that was because they were unable to command field position.

Reynolds is the man to change that and if the Broncos are able to capitalise on his efforts, their fortunes may quickly be reversed.

Follow the leader that is Payne Haas

Payne. Haas. Not much more has to be said about this gargantuan of a player.

Consistent, huge work ethic, an even bigger motor, and the heart of a lion, Haas has it all.

He has already cemented his spot as an elite prop in the NRL and will remain there for years to come.

However, the stark reality is that he cannot do it all on his own.

Brisbane Broncos prop Payne Haas

He needs his other forwards to step up and help him set that platform that is so crucial towards gaining momentum.

The Broncos will be boosted by both the signing of Kurt Capewell and the return of Pat Carrigan and it is those two that are the most well-equipped to help him.

But it cannot just be the starting forwards. The bench has to do their job as well.

If there was something that the Broncos were unable to execute efficiently last year, it was consistency from their forwards.

Brisbane Broncos forward Pat Carrigan

Granted, the chopping and changing did not help but players have to take it upon themselves to make an impact, a difference.

Haas can only do so much and it is up to his teammates around him to follow his lead, to emulate his consistency.

The question is; can they do it?

Where to for Kevin ‘Kevvie’ Walters?

It was a rollercoaster 2021 for Kevin Walters in his first full season as an NRL coach.

There were questions whether he was the man for the job, whether he could get the best out of players and whether he would be able to recruit smartly.

The recruitment side has been eased with the addition of Ben Ikin to the back-room staff, as tough decisions are made.

But as for Walters, he copped his fair share of criticism at the start of the year and at times, it could be argued it was warranted.

That said, the players were not performing to the standards required early on and is always the case, a coach cops the blame.

However, fast forward to the last month or so of the season, and the Broncos found something. They dug deep, deeper than they ever had.

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters

Whether it was a steely resolve, mental toughness, desire, or a combination of all three, things started to go right.

Players stepped up when needed, effort was consistent and despite their low finish on the ladder, there was plenty to smile about and look forward to.

With several big additions, the Broncos cannot afford another slow start to the season or they will languish yet again.

Making the top eight with so many good sides will not be easy but the Broncos now seem better equipped to avoid another season near the bottom.

Player to Watch

Injury struck him somewhat early in the season and thus it put all the pressure on Payne Haas but Pat Carrigan is a man with a point to prove.

With Alex Glenn retiring and Tom Flegler departing, Carrigan, who was Broncos captain previously, has a chance to step up and stake his claims.

Brisbane Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan

A chance to show that he can be a leader, that he can join Haas in setting the benchmark for his team and their forwards.

He has proven that his work rate and work ethic is through the roof, and it is those traits that the Broncos will desperately need.

Whether that happens immediately remains to be seen given his injury recovery but Carrigan is a player who knows what is required to succeed individually.

2022 Brisbane Broncos gains and losses

Gains: Logan Bayliss (local), Kurt Capewell (Penrith Panthers), Corey Jensen (North Queensland Cowboys), Brenko Lee (Melbourne Storm), Jordan Pereira (St George Illawarra Dragons), Adam Reynolds (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Billy Walters (Wests Tigers) and Ryan James (Canberra Raiders).

Losses: John Asiata (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ethan Bullemor (Manly Sea Eagles), Xavier Coates (Melbourne Storm), Dale Copley (released), Brodie Croft (Salford Red Devils), Tom Dearden (North Queensland Cowboys), Alex Glenn (retired), Matt Lodge (New Zealand Warriors), Anthony Milford (released), Tevita Pangai Junior (Canterbury Bulldogs), Reece Walsh (New Zealand Warriors), Danny Levi (Huddersfield Giants), and Isaiah Tass (South Sydney Rabbitohs).

NRL News Predicted Broncos 2022 Team (at full-strength)

1. Tesi Niu
2. Jordan Pereira
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Kotoni Staggs
5. Selwyn Cobbo
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Adam Reynolds (C)
8. Payne Haas
9. Jake Turpin
10. Thomas Flegler
11. Kurt Capewell
12. Brendon Piakura
13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Kobe Hetherington
15. Jordan Riki
16. Xavier Willison
17. Keenan Palasia

Coach: Kevin Walters.

By ricky

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