Broncos ‘self-destruct’ as Joey reveals major concern
Cameron Smith has conceded Brisbane‘s finals hopes are over after the reigning premiers ‘self-destructed’ in their eighth-straight loss.
After ending a title drought last season, the Broncos have fallen away and are now at long-odds to even make the NRL top-eight in 2026.
Broncos players look on during the round 18 loss. Getty Images
Saturday night’s defeat at the hands of Cronulla continued a downward spiral for Michael Maguire’s men, who now sit four wins outside the finals picture.
Smith - who is part of the Broncos coaching staff - was asked where things went wrong and admitted while injuries have played a role, some of the mistakes this this year have been a lingering issue.
“A couple of things I saw last night with some errors ... they are really cruelling themselves,” Smith said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“You can see there’s plenty of effort in their game and performance, that’s one thing you can’t question - but it’s the execution and self-destruction.
“The injury toll they’ve had this year has to be acknowledged, but very basic mistakes by some of their players last night really cruelled their chances.”
Brisbane were without the likes of Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, Payne Haas, Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan against a clinical Sharks outfit either due to injury or State of Origin duties, leaving a gaping hole to be filled in the side.
Andrew Johns said some of the depth players in the Broncos squad weren’t up to the task at first grade level, with their finals hopes going up in smoke.
“They’re gone - they were gone a month ago,” Johns said.
“They had 11 first graders out, but the two players they’re missing are obvious, Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, they provide so much with their running game.
“The depth just isn’t there. It’s hard to win without your best players and the players who are in there, aren’t used to playing at that level and it takes a toll.
“The simple thing is, there’s players there who just aren’t up to first grade level ... that’s the problem.”
Michael Maguire is under mounting pressure. NRL Imagery
Brad Fittler believes the injury toll is only part of the issue at Red Hill.
“I know you’re trying to justify it by saying they’re going through injuries, but a lot of teams are and I look at someone like Souths - they have found players,” he said.
“It’s more than just that, but I don’t know what it is.”
Brisbane will have the bye in round 19 before a horror five-week stretch against the Panthers, Cowboys, Knights, Dolphins and Warriors.