Storm defeat casts heavy cloud over Broncos future
September 21st 2008 09:37
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett thought he had it. Brisbane prop Ben Hannant seemingly scored a try to give his mentor another week in his 21 year reign in charge of the NRL's most successful club.
The emotion of being the only coach to lead the Broncos finally got to Bennett. His time was running out and he desperately wanted Hannant to score.
The video referee intervened however. Replay after replay, Bennett slowly realised his time in Brisbane was still up in the air.
Two points in front with a minute to go, Bennett was still on the edge of his seat knowing any moment could be his last in charge of the mighty Broncos.
Just like Queensland did it to NSW all those years ago, Melbourne hit Brisbane right at the death with a Greg Inglis try that left 50,000 Queenslanders in shock.
Broncos captain Darren Lockyer could not believe it himself. Not even his championship qualities could stop the Storm from crashing Bennett's farewell party.
After 80 minutes of action, Suncorp fell silent. You could almost find more cheer in a graveyard.
Not only had the Broncos been knocked out in season 2008, their foundation coach was gone, now heading to Sydney to coach the St George Illawarra Dragons next season.
From here on in, there would be no more Wayne Bennett in charge of Brisbane. Unimaginable one thought.
But as the Broncos farewell League's centenary year, change is about to rear its head up at Red Hill.
Ivan Henjak will now take over the head coaching role at the club. His task will be made more difficult with many stars heading away from Suncorp stadium.
Ben Hannant, Michael Ennis, Denan Kemp, Darius Boyd, Greg Eastwood and Tonie Carroll headline the Brisbane departed after their loss to the Storm.
Although Melbourne superstar Israel Folau will form arguably the most exciting centre pairing in recent memory alongside Justin Hodges next season, one feels the Broncos are on the downward spiral.
2008 signifies the end of the glorious Broncos era which was led by the likes of Shane Webcke, Petero Civoncieva, Gorden Tallis and Tonie Carroll.
Despite Darren Lockyer's presence in the side, the Broncos will be hard pressed to fill in the talent that they have disposed of this year.
Indeed, Brisbane are one of the finest in finding Rugby League talent but it seems things will be harder this time round.
Really only Lockyer now remains the one focal point in keeping the Broncos competitive.
When he retires, no doubt Brisbane will go into a small void likewise experienced by both the Sydney Roosters and the Canterbury Bulldogs in recent seasons.
Although the typical Queensland spirit will remain true, one feels Bennett has taken a large chunk of it down to Wollongong for the next three seasons.
It may well cost Brisbane dearly in 2009.
| 62 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
