Broncos legends call for calm despite "rudderless" start

Alarm bells are starting to ring at Red Hill after the reigning Premiers slumped to 0-2 to begin their title defence in 2026.

The Brisbane Broncos led by as many as 14 points in the first half and were in complete control. However, the Parramatta Eels rallied to lead by two points at half-time and eventually ran out 40-32 victors.

SEN’s Corey Parker believes the Broncos can expect more scrutiny on coach Michael Maguire after an underwhelming start to the season.

“It was rudderless,” Parker said of the Broncos’ performance on SENQ.

“At the 20-minute mark, Brisbane had 17 completed sets from 17. That’s what I wanted to see from them and they were up 20-6.

“The possession swung and you have to deal with that. That’s when it all went (bad).

“The left and right side defence for Brisbane wasn’t great. They also concede a lot of tries through the middle.

“I use the word brittle for the Broncos on Thursday night. They were appalling in their defensive structures.

“I haven’t seen enough evidence to suggest they are capable of doing anything this season.

“You watch the review next week and you sit there thinking about whether you are going to get exposed in front of the boys.

“The best place you can start is with yourself. Ask yourself what I can do better to then make the team better.

“If you are 20-6 points up with the talent that is in that team, you go on to win that game.

“There are no two ways about it.”

After two consecutive home games to start the year, the Broncos head South in Round 3 to take on the Melbourne Storm on Friday night.

SEN’s Andrew McCullough is hesitant to label the match as a must-win game for the reigning Premiers.

However, McCullough wants to see some improvement made to provide the team and supporters hope that the 0-2 start is an anomaly rather than an emerging pattern.

“You can play the top teams and play a really good game of football and still get done,” McCullough said on SENQ.

“It can be for whatever reason. There are great players on the opposition team, a late penalty goal or field goal.

“You can play some good football and still get something out of it. You can build some confidence.

“Wins and losses are important but if you’re struggling a bit and are a bit patchy, it’s one way to build your way back into it.

“That can alleviate some of the outside noise.”