Brisbane Broncos great Corey Parker has questioned whether his former club are willing to “sacrifice” and “pay the price” they did during last year’s run to the grand final as they sit outside the top eight 18 rounds into the NRL season.
The Broncos came into the season as one of the premiership favourites and even though they have been riddled with injuries, including to skipper Adam Reynolds, the powerhouse club have gone 54 days without a victory.
Kevin Walters’ side now face St George in what is almost a must-win for the Broncos without their Origin stars this weekend to stay in touch with the top eight.
Parker, who identified slippage in areas such as defence where Brisbane were second in 2023 but sit eighth this season, said the absences the Broncos experienced in 2024 were “excuses”.
“Just because you played in a Grand Final, doesn’t mean you’ll get back there the next year,” he said on SENQ Mornings.
“It is absolutely remarkable to think the Penrith Panthers have played in four straight Grand Finals and won three, incredible, one of the best sides in the modern era.
“The Brisbane Broncos last year paid a price, they paid a price each and every week, it was evident and on show to see – the desire, the intent, the connectivity, the resilience of the team week in and week out was on display.
“If you are not prepared to pay the same price and sacrifice the same things that you did last year, it may only be one or two things off, you will not succeed.
“For me, that has been the difference… over 18 rounds.”
Parker said the Broncos have shown glimpses of that this season but not enough.
“At different stages, in moments in games, the Brisbane Broncos have been terrific but throughout the duration of an 80-minute period, have not been where they need to be,” he said.
“Sure, they’ve had injuries, they’ve had suspensions, they’ve had players who haven’t had a lot of first grade, they don’t have their halfback – these are all excuses.
“As human beings we tend to lean on excuses… are the Broncos doing that?
“Are they happy with where they’re at, I wouldn’t think so. The Broncos were built on success, have been since 1988. For a team that played in a Grand Final last year, to where they are now, is vastly different.”
The Broncos host the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.