Mr Saab, I'd say you've jumped the shark a little too quickly.
The deal is the Broncos have lost quality players in key positions with Ennis and Hannant. Both had big years at Red Hill.
It's fair to say Darius Boyd and Denan Kemp had big years too, they're gonski. Joel Moon leaving the club also cuts the squads depth, especially as he's usually a sounding board during origin and appeared to be improving every year, while young Darren aint young anymore and terribly for the game is probably one more knee tweek from retiring (I hope I'm wrong here).
On top of that they've lost arguably the most influential coach in League history, the man who is regarded as Mr Brisbane Bronco and replaced him with Ivan Henjak, lets be honest, he's on a hiding to nothing.
Ben Teo and Big Israel come to the club. Centres and fringe back rowers don't win you competitions. With guys like Justin Hodges and Israel now at the club I reckon there's an imbalance regarding the teams pay scales and it may reflect in performance. Front Rowers and Half backs should command the big cash but that's just my opinion.
On the Andrew Johns comparison: I distinctly remember Joey Johns hamming it up at half time in the 2000 season match you speak of, he threw a super ball to Freddie Fittler setting up the match for the Chooks. Yeah he had every right to throw his mouth guard. Different situation here with the Brisbane club, the Knights certainly did not lose the depth the Broncos are facing in 2009.
Look I like the Brisbane club, I'm not a one eyed New South Welshman who's trying to death ride Queenslanders and I hope they do make the finals as they never put the cue in the rack which makes for a great spectacle. I don't doubt the Broncos will be competitive in 2009, and with all hands on deck they may even be a top four team. I personally don't see the cards falling out of the pack that way, and considering what I've discussed above I'll put them around positions 7-11.
But like I said in my original post....
"well you can make up your own mind."
So all in all I've enjoyed the debate and ultimately disagree with your statement as I don't think my comments are "bizzaro".
Cheers and man, you've gotta love your league.
