The Broncos and their buckling character
September 13th 2008 08:30
For all those aspiring Rugby League players eager for success, play for the Brisbane Broncos. Love em or hate em, they are the one team in the NRL who have consistently led the way in the department that matters most - belief
For those that saw Brisbane’s performance against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, one can understand why this Queensland team is damn successful.
When Broncos prop Joel Clinton was hammered by a Mark O’Meley shoulder that left him concussed for the rest of the match, they kept believing.
When David Shillington hit Brisbane second rower Corey Parker with a tremendous shoulder charge, they kept believing.
And When Braith Anasta put Anthony Tupou over for a 14-2 lead for the Roosters, Brisbane kept believing.
Why?
Because when a side possesses tough as nails individuals like Peter Wallace - who scored the opening try for Brisbane - you are primed for success.
If a side can produce the try of the season in the second half when eight points down in a final away from home, you are primed for success.
And if you can count with a veteran like Tonie Carroll - who will defend and support others through thick and thin - you will be primed for success.
Brisbane possess all of this and more.
Led courageously by none other than Darren Lockyer, the Broncos were in a battle at the Sydney Football stadium.
The Roosters were playing their best football and the likes of Anasta and O’Meley were reaping the rewards.
Brad Fittler's men were displaying the physical power of a forward pack that has dominated most oppositon teams this season.
Not that Brisbane panicked at any stage of the contest.
Under Wayne Bennett, the structure in the Broncos is solid, and it is one that is rarely flustered.
It is a structure that has won them six Grand Finals without loss, including the upset in 2006 over Minor Premiers Melbourne.
It is the structure that got them home on Friday night against a Roosters side who played well, but lacked the composure of their more experienced counterparts.
And it could well be the structure that lands them a seventh Grand final win in just 16 seasons of Rugby League. A remarkable achievement.
One can question where this belief comes from.
Is it a Queensland thing? Is it a Wayne Bennett thing?
Who knows, but whatever the answer is, the Broncos have it in bucket loads and their desire to triumph in the hardest of conditions will serve them for further glory.
As the Roosters hope and pray that Cronulla, Melbourne and Manly come up trumps, Brisbane head back to Queensland, full of determination as per usual.
The dream send off for Wayne Bennett remains well and truly alive, Brisbane style.
Good luck trying to tip against them.
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