BRONCOS SEASON

​I reckon if the Broncos are going to turn their 2019 season around Saturday night’s game against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium is the time to do it. They have Tevita Pangai Jr and James Roberts back starting and with the naming of young halfback Tom Dearden in the reserves putting pressure on the under-fire Anthony Milford-Kodi Nikorima pairing, the ingredients are there for a much improved showing. In the Sharks they couldn’t have a better opponent to test themselves. Tough, resilient and with three wins from six starts, the men from the Shire have shown themselves a likely lower end top eight side, and that is exactly where the Broncos should be setting their sights after their disappointing start. One of the key match-ups will be the head-to-head clash between Roberts and the Sharks' latest excitement machine Bronson Xerri, while captain Darius Boyd will be keen to shut up the knockers. I reckon if the Broncos can get a win it will take a mountain of pressure off Anthony Seibold and his young team and set them up for a real run at the finals. What do YOU reckon?  

PAYNE HAAS

I reckon the biggest talking point in rugby league next week will be the performance of Payne Haas for the Broncos against the Tigers at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. For a 20 year-old who has played just three NRL games Haas has attracted more headlines than Donald Trump. Trouble is not many of them have been for anything he has done on the field. First it was the six year $3 million contract that he signed as an 18 year old that totally turned the Broncos’ salary pyramid upside down. Then it was the club’s (well warranted in my opinion) disciplinary action that saw him miss the first four rounds of the competition at a time when new coach Anthony Seibold could have really put his 194cm 119kg bulk to good use. Throw in a bleeding cheek after a head clash at training, a court appearance for driving offences and, finally, a belated call-up to the Broncos’ top squad and you have a fledgling career that could be the subject of a reality TV show. I reckon he can’t get back on the field quick enough – and I for one can’t wait to see what all the fuss is about. What do YOU reckon?