SEN’s Cameron Smith has raised his genuine concerns over the Brisbane Broncos and their finals hopes following their 60-12 thrashing at the hands of the Melbourne Storm.
The Broncos were one of the best stories at the mid-point of the year as the side had found themselves in the top four after Round 19 but after losses to the last placed Tigers, Roosters and Storm in the last month, the Broncos find themselves eighth.
With the Canberra Raiders breathing down their neck in ninth and a tough run home with games to come against the Eels and Dragons, Smith believes that the Broncos are in for a dog fight to keep their season alive.
“They have fallen off the cliff,” Smith said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“They should’ve won a handful of games over the last little bit.
“Their defensive efforts were ordinary.
“They could not find answers to get through the Melbourne defensive line.
“This is a huge game on Thursday night against Parramatta.”
The Broncos’ form slump has coincided with the absence of Pat Carrigan due to his suspension and has proven to be an invaluable asset at both club and representative level.
Smith refused to use the absence of Carrigan as an excuse for the Broncos’ poor run of form and said that there are still a number of quality players on the field who need to deliver in the last two weeks of the home and away season.
“A lot of people are saying that it’s Patrick Carrigan not being there and being suspended,” he said.
“He’s only been out for three weeks.
“They’re still a good football side (without Carrigan).”
The Broncos host the Eels on August 25 at Suncorp Stadium in a match that has big finals implications.
If the Broncos were to lose, attention will turn to the Raiders who host the Manly Sea Eagles on August 27.