'Not an excuse': Cameron Smith delivers cruel blow with Brisbane's finals hopes on life support
Cameron Smith believes the chances of the Broncos playing finals footy this year are all-but over, claiming the side's injury woes are "not an excuse" for their performance.
After making the grand final last season and almost toppling the Panthers, many smart judges tipped Brisbane to go all the way in 2024 and taste premiership success.
Instead, the side are now sitting four points outside the top-eight with just seven rounds remaining in the NRL regular season, placing them at long-odds to play in September.
READ MORE: Alcaraz blows Djokovic away in three sets to win Wimbledon
READ MORE: England shattered as Spain wins Euros thriller
READ MORE: Slater 'slip up' laid bare by axed star's night out
State of Origin unavailability and injury dramas have plagued the Broncos this year, with the likes of Adam Reynolds and Reece Walsh spending time on the sidelines, while some off-season departures have also tested the club's depth.
Brisbane's latest defeat at the hands of the Dragons - who are also in the mix for a finals spot - placed added pressure on the club and Smith admitted it could be the death knell.
Broncos players during their round 19 loss against the Dragons. Getty
"I think they're almost done," he told SEN 1170 Breakfast.
"They had to win the other night. I know that the Broncos are missing their Origin stars and they have injuries but a lot of other teams are dealing with those same challenges.
"After that match concluded against the Dragons, people were talking about mathematical situations. Any time your team is being lumped into conversations in mathematical situations, that's when you know you're in trouble.
"They have to win six from their last seven games. That's going to be a real struggle."
Kevin Walters' team has failed to win a game since Magic Round, dropping points against the likes of the Titans and Warriors, who aren't expected to play finals.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The absence of Reynolds in particular has haunted the Broncos and while the veteran halfback could be back in the coming weeks, it might be too little too late.
"It's not an excuse, because they have a very strong lineup," Smith continued.
Adam Reynolds remains sidelined with a biceps injury. Getty
"I had them as premiership favourites at the start of the year. I thought they'd kick on and go to another level. There's a mindset in that football team where they expect that it's just going to happen for them.
"They haven't been consistent enough and given the form they've shown over the past few months, it might be too difficult for them now."
Brisbane's run home will see them take on the Knights, Bulldogs, Titans, Cowboys, Eels, Dolphins and Storm, as well as a bye in round 24.
