The decisions that could 'haunt' Brisbane for the next decade

Denan Kemp has criticised the Brisbane Broncos, calling their season a disaster.

After winning their first NRL premiership without Wayne Bennett as their coach last year, the Broncos struggled to replicate the same magic in 2026.

Despite being in and around the top eight through the first eight rounds of the season, an eight-game losing streak through the middle of the season saw their hopes of defending their title and finals go up in smoke.

There was plenty of drama affecting Brisbane’s season, including assistant coach Ben Te’o’s shock resignation through the first three rounds alongside the club’s handling of captain Adam Reynolds’ retirement.

Reflecting on the year's performance by the Red Hill-based club, Kemp thinks the Broncos should be under more pressure for their dismal showing.

“I know there was a lot of talk about Broncos for a period, but I actually think they got off pretty scot-free in regards to, like, the media,” Kemp told SEN’s Morning Glory with Matty Johns.

“It was truly a disaster, and the ramifications and the echoes of some of the decisions made over the last 12 months or so could haunt the club for a decade.

“You look at Payne Haas, you look at Coby Black, you've got Ben Te'o; these are all three guys in some way, shape or form could have helped direct the club over the next decade.

“Then you've got (the) Adam Reynolds' situation; now they're gonna give him a role still, which is good.

“But imagine had (that) gone pear-shaped? Then we lose Renyo as well, so his knowledge imparting onto the next generation. Disaster year.”

However, despite finishing 14th on the ladder, the former Broncos and Warriors winger believes they can still make finals in 2027.

“I think they do,” he said.

“Even though I disagree with a lot of the way Madge has done things this year, I still believe in him.

“I still believe he's the right man for the job.

“If it's the same version of Madge comes out next year, then I'm like, no, you'll never be able to get the boys back on side.

“But if he can just change a little bit, just compromise a little bit, not the whole way.

“He's one of the greatest coaches of all time…it's that little 5% of intensity that he can just dial back just slightly and mate, the world is his oyster."

The Broncos will welcome Mitch Barnett, Dane Gagai and Jonah Pezet to Red Hill in 2027.