Broncos coach Kevin Walters has sent a warning shot to the competition amid his side’s form slump during a tense presser following a third consecutive loss on Friday night.
Brisbane fell 22-12 against the Rabbitohs to drop three straight games for the first time since 2022 and they’ll almost certainly finish the round outside the top eight.
Walters was grilled by the Sydney media over how confident he is that he can right the ship of the reigning grand finalists.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
“I’m very confident. I’ve seen what these boys can do,” he said.
“It’s just their attitudes. We’re just not quite right at the moment. But we’ll keep working on it.
“And when we get it right, you’ll all know. You’ll see it. Then we don’t have to answer these questions that you’re asking me now.
“I’m going to stay on the front foot and positive. We’re not lacking in fitness. What’s letting us down is our skill level, which everyone would agree is of a very high level. We’re just not doing the basics.”
The Broncos are without their halfback and skipper Adam Reynolds (bicep) for another two months, while superstar fullback Reece Walsh has also been unavailable through Origin and injury.
Bunnies stand strong to down Broncos | 02:15
Walters is refusing to blame their slump on his missing players but he did concede he was frustrated with his side’s attack.
“We’ve got the worst completion rate in the competition. Which makes you do more work in defence. I’m frustrated. I can’t imagine how the players are,” he said.
“We’ve got to hold the ball and build pressure. And that’s going to help our game so much. Until we do that. This will keep happening.”
Broncos skipper at Carrigan said he wasn’t worried with where his side’s season was heading.
“I look at the quality of footy we play no matter where we’re sitting on the ladder, that’s just my personality and the personality of the group and what Kev drives within the group,”
“It’s just addressing the little concentration lapses and the mental errors were having at the moment, but I’m pretty sure fourth and ninth are all on the same points.”
Latrell sent to bin after Broncos tackle | 00:58
MORE NRL NEWS
WWL: Hammer magic lifts Phins; mixed night has Nicho facing NSW axe
RAVALAWA: Out-of-favour Dragon cops huge ban for ugly ref spray
‘UNFAIR TO PUT IT ON HIM’: Fitzy weighs in on Hynes sideline miss
WHISPERS: Dolphins extend try-scoring machine; Dragons preparing Souths raid
Brisbane could also be without gun forward Jordan Riki for their next game after he was sin-binned for an off-the-ball hit on Cameron Murray.
Walters conceded after the match that Riki was lucky not to be sent off over the incident.
“I thought he was lucky to stay on the field,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters admitted.
“He was a bit off tonight – he’ll be the first to admit it – and we’ll have a discussion with him. His effort was good, but he didn’t have his head in the right space.
“I don’t think he’ll get suspended. I thought a send off would have been sufficient.
“We need everyone (on deck), with two more Origins to go.”
Brisbane have a bye next week before facing the Warriors and Penrith.