Round 23 vs. Cowboys Discussion + Voting

[GoTheBroncs]

Lockyer's record breaking game. Thurston a chance to be back for Cowboys. Hannant is out. Should be a cracking game! Here's the team:

Broncos team to play North Queensland Cowboys:
1 Josh Hoffman
2 Gerard Beale
3 Jack Reed
4 Justin Hodges
5 Jharal Yow Yeh
6 Darren Lockyer (c)
7 Peter Wallace
8 Josh McGuire
9 Andrew McCullough
10 Scott Anderson
11 Alex Glenn
12 Sam Thaiday
13 Corey Parker
Interchange
14 Matt Gillett
15 Ben Hunt
16 Ben Te’o
17 David Hala
Coach Anthony Griffin


http://www.broncos.com.au/default.a...title=mcguire-to-replace-hannant-in-qld-derby


I'm not sure that Hala is the right selection for this game as we need another prop who can play a lot of minutes. I assume that Thaiday and Gillett will need to do some work up the middle.

 

[broncos2010]

Dam Hannant is a big lose but I think we can cover it.

Looking good for us at the moment.
Quality 2nd row.

 

[The Crane]

Hmm... Happy except for Hunt. But it looks like he isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

I'm hoping we can dominate a Cows pack minus Scott - tough to do though.

 

[broncos2010]

I think we need to play the under 20s guy as bench hooker I dont see hunt being a long term hooker.

I think he will get the 6 next year in front of norman.

 

[Mr Fourex]

Big ask here for McQuire and Anderson........part of me doubts they're up to it. If McQuire can put in another performance like last week, he'll go a long way to proving me wrong

Really need Anderson to stand up. Hala too........

 

[icewind]

i doubt McQuire is up to it.

McGuire on the other hand......

 

[Big Pete]

I would not lose sleep if we lost this match - although I currently am, damn course readings and last minute invite to QPAC concerts! - which isn't to say I expect us to; I believe we have as good a chance as any, but, after the respective performances last round I believe the odds are definitely stacked against us.

Let's list them:

- Backing up after a tough physical game against the Warriors
- No Hannant, Parker is walking wounded
- Cowboys will be filthy with themselves over last week and will be well prepared for their clash against the Broncos
- The return of JT, Scott and KFFL
- Dairy Farmers, not a fun road trip even at the best of times but especially not now with the way the Cows are playing.

With these factors in mind, it shapes as another test in the coaching career of Griffin, this is one of those games where the preparation of a side is extremely important and will be investigated if the performance is not up to scratch.

If the Broncos are going to be a chance here they must take the fight to the middle of the field and try and exploit the bigger men. This is where Beale, Yow Yeh, Hodges and Hoffman should be looking to support their forwards through the middle and try and expose their deficiencies against smaller men. Take a look at Tariq Sims for instance, despite his quick ascent into first grade he still has a number of defensive flaws and can be found wanting in the middle with swift foot-work (see game against West Tigers).

As far as defence goes, Lockyer, Hodges, Thaiday and Yow Yeh are going to have to switch on as the Cows LOVE that left fringe.

Friday is going to be a difficult assignment so the boys have my full support win, lose or draw and hopefully they can lift, secure a firm grip on third spot and make sure Lockyer's record breaking game is one to savour.

Just going to throw this question out there, what is your favourite Broncos/Cowboys game?

 

[beave]

The semi in 2004 up here.

 

[Mr Fourex]

i doubt McQuire is up to it.

McGuire on the other hand......

Thanks spelling Nazi .......

 

[Country Bronco]

Favorite game? Last year first round. A game of two halves. Kemp try at the death. The matchwinner.

 

[Talanexor]

I have a horrible feeling Thaiday is going to turn in a MOM performance. He'll be pumped at being named captain for next season, he's got a lot of friends and family in the area and, with Hannant out, he'll be the one leading the Broncos pack from the front.

Although I'm surprised that Hunt is on the bench instead of that u20's player - is it Kurt Baptiste? That kid is a gun.

 

[user_nat]

We have all been surprised by that for the last few weeks.

Hunt must have friends in high places.

 

[Big Pete]

Or Griffin rates his versatility.

 

[beads6]

Payne out for the Cowboys is a big loss for them IMO, he always and I mean always tears us a new one. It should be a bloody cracker on Friday night. All I want from this game is Lockyer to be injury free TBH.

 

[user_nat]

Or Griffin rates his versatility.

I guess it does make sense to have a half on the bench when bringing Lockyer to Townsville.

 

[Big Pete]

Brrrr....

You guys keep giving me chills up my spine, we need positive vibes, Lockyer will get through it *knock on wood*.

Honestly, we need to make a pact, none of us are allowed to smash mirrors, walk under ladders, cross a black cat or get Moffo to say Lockyer will get through the game, kapeesh?

 

[Mr Saab]

Hunt is as useless as Badger and Cecchin

 

[renouf]

I dunno, I thought Hunt went alright last week when he came on. He was definitely quicker then McCollough.

 

[Mr Saab]

I dunno, I thought Hunt went alright last week when he came on. He was definitely quicker then McCollough.

McCollough is a classic meat and potatos player with no gravy.

 

[Big Pete]

Macca was good in the first stint, poor in the second.

Hunt started poorly but got better as the game wore on. The issue is, he isn't a specialist hooker and he should be in the QCup playing halfback so he can be groomed as Hunt's successor.