Billy Slater has highlighted a significant issue for the Brisbane Broncos, which revolves around their underwhelming performances in the second half of matches. After suffering two consecutive losses, including a troubling defeat to a flagging South Sydney side, concerns about their championship potential have arisen.
In the past three weeks, the Broncos’ inconsistencies have been glaring, conceding a staggering 52 points while scoring a mere eight during second halves, despite managing to secure a victory against the Bulldogs. This trend has not gone unnoticed by coach Michael Maguire, who prioritises resilience for the full 80 minutes in his teams.
Slater remarked that the recent efforts displayed by the Broncos are far from acceptable. He pointed out that in the last three weeks, they have been outscored significantly after halftime, which raises questions about their response to halftime strategies and adjustments. The Broncos have lacklustre performance post-break, failing to cross the try line in the second half for several matches.
Standing in seventh place, with five wins and five losses, there is still ample opportunity for Brisbane to rectify their course and emerge as a legitimate title contender. However, as they gear up for the State of Origin period, they face additional challenges, particularly with Ben Hunt now sidelined due to injury.
Slater encouraged the Broncos to maintain their focus on overall gameplay rather than lamenting the absence of key players. He believes there’s no need for alarm, as the squad possesses considerable talent. With potential reinforcements like Ezra Mam and Reece Walsh expected to return, the balance and strength of the team could improve. Nonetheless, it’s essential for them to address their current performance standards rather than solely awaiting the return of their high-profile players.
As the Broncos prepare to face the struggling Dragons in round 11 at Suncorp Stadium, they must concentrate on rebuilding their momentum and ensuring their second-half performances reflect the quality they have shown in the opening stages of their matches.