Darren Lockyer has acknowledged that the Brisbane Broncos are still trying to establish their identity, echoing Billy Slater’s concerns about the team’s inconsistency. After a difficult period, the Broncos managed to secure five consecutive victories, despite dropping their performance against the lowly-ranked Parramatta Eels, which has reignited criticism, especially since they missed the finals last year.
On a recent episode of The Billy Slater Podcast, Slater remarked that the Broncos’ team dynamics are unclear, which Lockyer concurred with, noting that the team’s playing style fluctuates significantly from week to week. He believes that most fans would struggle to articulate how the Broncos actually play due to this inconsistency.
Lockyer pointed out specific players, suggesting that Reece Walsh, among others like Ezra Mam and Ben Hunt, should adopt more of a running mentality to increase their ruck speed and create scoring opportunities. He referred to a strong performance against the Bulldogs as a blueprint, urging the team to stick to their strengths—pressing through the middle and capitalising on chances as they arise.
Walsh, known for his flair on the field, has come under scrutiny for errors, particularly his decision to let a kick bounce in the recent loss to Parramatta, which directly led to a try. Lockyer recommended that he should simplify his game, prioritising consistent positional play and focusing on running the ball first rather than attempting high-risk plays. He made comparisons to players like Dylan Edwards and Connor Tracey, who excel at maintaining their position and supporting their forward pack during plays.
Looking ahead, the Broncos’ upcoming matches include relatively weaker opponents, such as the Rabbitohs and Knights, alongside the volatile Dolphins. However, they will face formidable challenges as they take on the Storm twice over the next five weeks, which could determine their season’s trajectory. As they seek to cement their place in the finals race, Lockyer’s insights highlight the need for clarity and consistency in their game plan.