THE STORM INJURY DISASTER – The loss on Thursday in Melbourne to the Storm came with some disastrous injuries for an end of season push to the playoffs.
Player
Injury Duration
Adam Reynolds
4 weeks
Selwyn Cobbo
6 weeks
Ezra Mam
6 weeks
The loss three weeks ago to the Eels is also still a major scar on their post-season opportunity.
What are the Broncos realistic ambitions this season?
The Broncos currently sit 6th. The Bulldogs in 3rd have eight more points than the Broncos but the Panthers in 4th have only three more points than the Broncos. The Warriors in 5th having two more than the Broncos.
The Sharks in 7th (played one game more than other teams in the hunt) have 28 points, like the Broncos. The Dolphins have 26 points in 8th, as do the Roosters in 9th.
PANTHERS FIXTURE LIST (currently 4th on 31 points)
Opponent
Venue
Date
Storm
Home
Aug 14
Raiders
Home
Aug 22
Bulldogs
Away
Aug 28
Dragons
Away
Sept 6
WARRIORS FIXTURE LIST (currently 5th on 30 points)
Opponent
Venue
Date
Dragons
Home
Aug 15
Titans
Away
Aug 23
Eels
Home
Aug 29
Sea Eagles
Away
Sept 5
So the Panthers have as tough a run-in as you can get. They host the Storm (currently 2nd), then the Raiders (currently top), then visit the Bulldogs (currently 3rd), and then end the regular season with a visit to the Dragons.
So, despite their nine-match winning streak, they will be tested, and maybe they will win between two and four of those games.
The Warriors have a much easier run-in, and maybe only the Sea Eagles will be a challenge.
The two-point advantage that the Kiwis carry could be crucial, but despite the roller-coaster season, the Broncos can see a chink of light in the top four. Can they start the run-in with a win at Suncorp on Saturday?
Top 4 offers two bites at the cherry
Don’t forget the Top 4 each get two bites at the cherry. Fourth place will play 1st in the first qualifying final, while 2nd play 3rd in the other. Meanwhile, places 5th to 8th only get to play off in elimination finals; meaning the loser of each of 5th vs 8th and 6th vs 7th, is eliminated.
The two top 4 qualifying final losers then play the winners of the two elimination finals, feeding into the Preliminary Finals and the Grand Final!
Can the Broncos start the run-in with a win at Suncorp on Saturday?
