Broncos team 2009

[Lycon79]

Time to move on from last night what will the team be for next year with all the players leaving here is what i think

1. Hunt
2. Michaels
3. Hodges
4. Falou
5. Hoffman
6, Lockyer
7. Wallace
8. Kenny
9. Gorrell
10. Clinton
11. Parker
12. Thaiday
13. Stagg

Interchange:
McCullough, Taylor, Sims, palmer

 

[JW]

Off the top of my head at this early stage.

1. Hunt
2. Michaels
3. Folau
4. Hodges
5. Yow Yeh
6. Lockyer
7. Wallace
8. Thaiday
9. Gorrell
10. Clinton
11. Parker
12. Setu
13. Stagg

14. Kenny
15. Sims
16. Taylor
17. Marsh

Unsure about Folau's position either at centre or wing, and of course on which side. Wapau will most certainly be looked at but I don't think he'll start the year in the 17.

Forget the backline as it is simply sensational, our biggest question mark at this stage is our pack. Plently of unrealised potential and a couple of proven players who are down on form, but they will hold the key next season. On current judgements you'd think they'll need to overachieve a bit if we're to remain a fair dinkum contender, but if they can somehow pull it together and stay fit then we should be fine.

Clinton and Sims have and will continue to cop a bagging for their season performances overall, but they are both wonderful to have in the team at their best. I just hope to hell it all comes together for them next year.

I also believe our most underestimated buy could turn out to be Gorrell. Honestly, if ever you could get a good, cheap replacement for Ennis and to mirror his kind of dummy half play, Gorrell could turn out to be the man. I'm hoping he'll start at 9 and prove to be a valuable replacement. Lord knows i'll dissapointed if we struggle at hooker next season given we've just let go our first quality No. 9 in about 8 or 9 years.

I think a fair few of our U/20s will get a run next year under Henjak. Look for Ben Hunt to recieve a quick promotion if injury strikes or during Origin.

Next year is a bit up in the air expectations-wise, just like this year. But i'm confident we can still mix it with the best of them if the squad can stay reasonably fit.

 

[salivor]

Pretty much agree with your side JW except that I'd go with Teo on the bench instead of Sims and have Kenny in the starting lineup and Clinton on the bench.

We're going to need a lot of things to swing our way if we're going to stay at the premiership contender level we got ourselves to this year. Depth at prop and in the outside backs is a major concern. Gorrell and Marsh are big if's at hooker, Marsh in particular barely looks like he wants to be at the club. I think McCullough could be nipping at both their heels.

Probably the thing we haven't discussed on this forum is how Lockyer is going to go without his right hand man in Carroll. When Tunza is out he can almost look lost on the lateral shift so he's going to have to adapt his game.

 

[Dazzat]

With Eastwood going the back-row is looking only slightly better depth-wise than the front-row.

Next year could be the toughest year for 17 for the club. The big question is how the club will respond to adversity - and the fans for that matter. We are used to some degree of success every year.

As much as it pains me to say, next year could be a struggle. We all know forwards are the key - and our pack besides Sammy is looking shaky.

 

[badav]

In all honesty i don't think we will make the finals next year.

Clinton & Sims should be given 3 weeks to show why they should still be considered for first grade selection.

Hopefully Lagi Setu gets a contract extension at some stage next year also

 

[_Johnsy]

I think the most important person in your 2009 campaign is Henjack.

He is in a very difficult position, he would have to get to at least the same position as this year for it not to be considered a failure, by some. I do not envy him at all.

 

[salivor]

Maybe some sections of the media will put that pressure on him but I think the fans realise after our recruitments and losses this year that the Broncos of 2009 both talent and depth wise are not going to be as good as 2008. Henjak will be doing very well if he puts that side somewhere in the 8.

 

[Big Pete]

1. Karmichael Hunt
2. Steve Michaels
3. Justin Hodges
4. Israel Folau
5. Jharal Yow Yeh
6. Darren Lockyer (c)
7. Peter Wallace
8. Nick Kenny
9. Aaron Gorrell
10. Joel Clinton
11. Corey Parker
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Lagi Setu

14. PJ Marsh
15. Ashton Sims
16. Dave Taylor
17. Ben Te'o

18. Isaak Ah Mau
19. Tom Hewitt
20. Josh Hoffman
21. Ben Hunt
22. Josh McGuire
23. Andrew McCullough
24. Reece Robinson
25. David Stagg
26. Palmer Wapau
27. Derricke Watkins

Coach: Ivan Henjack

 

[Dazzat]

When you look at next year's potential forward pack, there is only ONE with significant Origin experience - Thaiday. Sure Marsh and Parker (and perhaps Clinton?) have had a taste, but you wouldn't call them Origin players.

Compare that to almost every year for the last decade - at least four-five origin players, and some of those have been on the bench! Big, big difference.

Hopeful rising stars: Josh McGuire I believe had a good year in Under 20s, and Palmer Wapou who played some stormers for Redcliffe and looks like he could step-up to NRL in a blink.

 

[Whats Doing]

The Broncs have picked up that 17 year old forward from the Titans (cannot remember the spelling). He will probably start in the U20's but he is a sensation and I wouldn't be all surprised if he made his debut sometime during the year.

 

[Lycon79]

forgot about setu and teo I think they will figure in there somewhere but I think it's time to blood a few of the toyota cup players.

 

[Lycon79]

how old is Ben Hunt will he have another year in the toyota cup? how long is he contracted to the Broncos

 

[JW]

The Broncs have picked up that 17 year old forward from the Titans (cannot remember the spelling). He will probably start in the U20's but he is a sensation and I wouldn't be all surprised if he made his debut sometime during the year.

I vaguely remember that. From memory a monster prop with loads of speed.

 

[Jono1987]

forgot about setu and teo I think they will figure in there somewhere but I think it's time to blood a few of the toyota cup players.

Setu is a fantastic pickup for you guys. He's young and only going to get better and better. I have no doubt he'll end up playing for QLD.

 

[Whats Doing]

I vaguely remember that. From memory a monster prop with loads of speed.

He played for Ipswich in the QLD Cup grandfinal and had a blinder.

Played in the back row but he is big, tough and has speed. He has the goods and you have a fantastic signing there.

 

[Big Pete]

His name is Kurtis Lingwoodock originally a Gold Coast junior before we poached him for next year.

I don't think we'll see too much of him in 2009 but he'll feature in either 2010 or 11 IMO.

 

[Dazzat]

His name is Kurtis Lingwoodock originally a Gold Coast junior before we poached him for next year.

I don't think we'll see too much of him in 2009 but he'll feature in either 2010 or 11 IMO.

Exactly right Pete. I can't name one prop who had a good first year in the top grade. Luke Douglas of the Sharks comes to mind. Young, plays well, but steady at best. He'll need another two to three years and he'll probably play SOO.

Will Clinton improve? Even if he goes injury free and improves 10% next year, he's still no forward leader for the club IMO.

 

[KHunt]

Our backline is alright, no doubt about it.

Forward pack has obvious problems but Setu is a great buy. Is Marsh going to replace Ennis?

What will happen is we will get a lot of injuries again to our key players and origin will hurt and we dont have much depth. Hopefully some Toyota cup stars come through.

 

[Big Pete]

There will be big question marks on both Clinton and Sims. They along with Kenny and Taylor hold the key to success. If they play to their potential consistently then the Broncos should be able to handle the competition. If not we'll be lucky to make the Top 8.

Alright has to be the understatement of the century cutie! Our backline is without a doubt up there as one of the best in the League. I cannot wait to get our moneys worth out of Folau.

Setu is a great buy, the only way is up for him and he could have the same effect Tallis had on us.

Gorrell will replace Ennis IMO. Gorrell is a former halfback with a good kicking and passing game. Another boost is his superb goal kicking ability. He'll be handy IMO. Of course McCullough will be the next big thing out at dummy half. Give him a year or two and he'll be the next Cameron Smith (hopefully without the scummy play).

Depth is the big issue next year.

 

[JW]

Of course McCullough will be the next big thing out at dummy half.

You seem convinced Pete.

I must admit i've only seen a limited amount of McCullough and although he seems talented, he didn't inspire excitement in excess, as such. But that's only from what i've seen and i'm sure that's not enough to make a valid judgement.

Naturally i'd hope and be far more confident that you're right, so could you elaborate on his demonstrated abilities?