The Brisbane Broncos have lost a sixth match in a row, despite falling just short of an epic comeback against the Dragons, eventually falling to a 30-26 defeat at Suncorp Stadium.
The loss sees the Broncos drop to 13th on the ladder and with just six points on the ladder separating fifth and 15th on the ladder, every win is important on the run in to the finals.
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But in one of the closest seasons in recent memory, the Broncos have proven to be one of the biggest disappointments of the season.
Pre-season favourites after going 20 minutes from a premiership in 2024, the year has been a rollercoaster for Kevin Walters’ side as they now look to be outsiders to make the top eight.
And this was perfectly encapsulated into the match against the Dragons.
The Broncos responded to an early Christian Tuipulotu try with one of their own, but the Dragons took the game by the scruff of the neck from there, racing away to a 22-6 lead at halftime.
Walters unloaded at the break, with Fox League’s Yvonne Sampson saying: “Kevin Walters has every right to be as mad as he is — a halftime reality check for the Brisbane Broncos.”
‘Things have got to change’: Kevvie blasts Broncos in all-time spray after SIXTH straight loss
But a slow start to the second half saw the Dragons score early to open up a 28-6 lead in the 44th minute, before the Broncos tried to chase them down.
And they almost got there as Kotoni Staggs cut the lead to just four points with two minutes remaining.
It was too little too late however, as the Dragons held on for a huge win, which sees them slot into the top eight for now, although the winner of the Sea Eagles-Knights game on Sunday afternoon will usurp their position.
Despite the comeback, Walters was furious, storming out of the dressing room.
“He’s not happy because they’re losing, obviously,” Mal Meninga said.
“I think it’s a footy thing. I think it’s something to do with their roster and a little about their execution.”
Meninga said Adam Reynolds was a big loss but by the time he gets back “it may be too late”.
Ex-Queensland centre Will Chambers said the “scary thing” about the Broncos loss was that they were so lethargic.
“If not everyone’s putting in, that’s when the frustration comes in,” he said.
“They waited until the 60th minute to start having a dig. That’s why you feel for Kevvie. All he can do is prepare them, if the boys don’t want to turn up for him, that’s the hard part.”
Speaking the post-match presser, Walters was fuming.
“The thing that annoys me … is that I know we’re so much better than what we’re doing,” he said.
“I’m just disappointed that that’s what we throw up. And I’m disappointed in myself as a coach that that’s what is being presented consistently, that’s not good enough. And that rests on me.”
Questioned about needing to win six of their last seven to make the top eight, Walters said: “I believe we can do that — but it’s up to these guys.
“We can’t just keep doing what we’re doing, then we’re no chance.”
The six-game losing streak is telling for the Broncos, as no team has ever lost six straight matches and won the premiership.
Fox League’s Corey Parker said: “It’s certainly a big mountain to climb.
“22-6 at halftime was not good enough. There was a late scare in the second half … but generally you get what you deserve in rugby league.”
Only the 2006 Broncos and 2012 Storm have ever won the premiership after having a five-game losing streak.
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