Brisbane Broncos legend Darren Lockyer has sounded a warning after the team’s unexpected loss to Canberra on Saturday. Following an impressive 50-14 victory over the Roosters in round one, the Broncos faced a reality check, losing 32-22 in what was expected to be an easy win. Despite earlier successes, including winning this year’s pre-season challenge and being touted as serious premiership contenders, the sudden defeat raised concerns about the team’s mindset.
Lockyer reflected on the previous season, where the Broncos appeared to be on the rise, finishing second on the ladder and reaching the grand final before falling to a 15-minute performance from Nathan Cleary. However, subsequent to that promising year, Brisbane dramatically dropped to 12th place, leading to coach Kevin Walters’ departure and criticisms of the players’ attitudes, which some described as being more focused on a rockstar lifestyle than their sport.
After the recent loss, Lockyer expressed fear that this mentality may be resurfacing. He emphasised the risks associated with social media hype, which can create a false sense of security. “If I was to use the analogy, it’s a bit like what happened after 2023,” Lockyer noted. “Everyone thought they could easily roll through the next season without hard work, but victories need to be earned.”
The defeat was also critiqued by Raiders legend Mal Meninga, who suggested the Broncos entered the match with an air of complacency. Kieran Foran from Fox League echoed this sentiment, remarking on the team’s lack of preparedness. Lockyer agreed, calling it a “reality check” for the squad and underscoring the need for enthusiasm and effort to secure victories.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will face a chance to recover in round three as they host the struggling North Queensland Cowboys, who are coming off heavy defeats. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for Brisbane to bounce back and reinforce their position as serious competitors in the NRL.