Season 2026: Squad Preview

With the Broncos’ 2025 NRL campaign complete, and the club having largely finalised its Top 30 squad for the 2026 season, it is an opportune time to review each player’s on-field production. This analysis assesses comparative rankings and identifies the most effective team configuration for the upcoming campaign.

Methodology

Players expected to comprise the Broncos’ Top 30 squad were allocated into four positional categories:

  • Forwards
  • Centres and wingers
  • Halves and hooker
  • Fullback

Each player’s output was assessed against defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) using NRL career statistics.

KPI Framework

This analysis assumes the Broncos will adopt a control-based, defence-first tactical approach in 2026, emphasising field position, repeat pressure, and defensive control over high-variance attacking play. Key principles include:

  • <2 missed tackles per game across the forwards, centres and wingers, halves and hooker positional groups
  • Forwards: 100+ run metres and 1+ offloads.
  • Centres/Wingers: 100+ run metres with defensive reliability prioritised.
  • Spine (halves, hooker, fullback): 100+ kicking metres, 1+ try assists, 1+ forced dropouts.

Collectively, these KPIs reflect a strategy focused on field position, repeat pressure, and defensive control, rather than high-variance attacking play.

Missed tackles are treated as a threshold metric, reflecting their disproportionate impact on field position, fatigue, and scoreboard pressure. Players must meet a minimum defensive standard before attacking contributions are weighted.

Attacking output is therefore earned through control, not forced through risk, with greater value placed on players who contribute to defensive sustainability and territorial advantage.

The purpose of this methodology is to assess not only individual performance, but system fit — identifying combinations of players that best support a defence-first, repeat-set-driven model.

Positional Findings and Rankings

Forwards

Key KPIs: 100+ run metres, <2 missed tackles, 1+ offloads

RankPlayerRun MetresMissed TacklesOffloads
1Haas16812
2Te Kura9611
3Jensen9910
4Willison9610
5Talty5810
6Carrigan15721
7Tawha9720
8Gosiewski5820
9Hunt5220
10Riki8330
11Piakura6930

Payne Haas is the only forward clearly meeting all positional KPIs, combining elite run metre output with strong defensive efficiency and consistent second-phase contribution.

Ben Te Kura demonstrates strong defensive reliability and meets the offload requirement. However, his run metre output sits just below the 100m benchmark, limiting his overall impact.

Corey Jensen provides consistent defensive output and approaches the run metre threshold, though he offers no second-phase contribution, reducing his effectiveness as a middle forward.

Xavier Willison presents a similar profile to Jensen, maintaining defensive standards but falling short in both run metres and offloads.

Ben Talty meets the defensive KPI but contributes minimally in both run metres and second-phase play, limiting his overall influence.

Patrick Carrigan delivers elite attacking output through high run metres and offloads. However, his missed tackle count exceeds the acceptable threshold, which is heavily weighted in this model.

Aublix Tawha approaches the run metre requirement but falls short in both defensive efficiency and second-phase contribution, indicating an incomplete KPI profile.

Jack Gosiewski meets neither the run metre nor second-phase KPIs and sits above the defensive threshold, limiting his effectiveness.

Jayden Hunt provides limited contribution across all KPIs, failing to meet the required benchmarks in run metres, defence, and offloads.

Jordan Riki offers moderate run metre output but far exceeds the missed tackle threshold and provides no offload contribution.

Brendan Piakura similarly fails to meet key KPIs, with below-benchmark run metres, poor defensive efficiency, and no second-phase impact.

With the Broncos requiring eight effective forwards (two props, two second rowers, a lock, and three bench forwards), the following configuration appears optimal based on the club’s current forward stocks. This structure allows the props and lock to rotate with the bench forwards at the 20- and 60-minute marks:

 PositionPlayerInterchange Rotation
20 Minutes60 Minutes
Second RowWillison – –
PropHaasTe KuraHaas
LockCarriganTaltyCarrigan
PropJensenGosiewskiJensen
Second RowTawha – –

While Jack Gosiewski’s selection within the forward rotation is sub-optimal, he represents the best available option among Hunt, Riki and Piakura, recording the lowest number of missed tackles and the highest average run metres of those player with the equivalent number of missed tackles. This ultimately highlights a broader deficiency within the Broncos’ forward depth.

Centres and Wingers

Key KPIs: 100+ run metres, <2 missed tackles

RankPlayersRun MetresMissed Tackles
1Karapani1411
2Mariner1361
3Arthars921
4Shibasaki1282
5Anderson1272
6Hoeter1072
7Staggs1063

Josiah Karapani meets all KPIs, combining strong yardage output with reliable defensive performance, positioning him as a clear selection.

Deine Mariner also meets all KPIs, demonstrating consistent run metres and defensive efficiency.

Jesse Arthars meets the defensive KPI but falls marginally short of the run metre benchmark, slightly limiting his yardage contribution.

Gehamat Shibasaki exceeds the run metre requirement but sits at the defensive threshold, making his selection a compromise.

Grant Anderson provides strong yardage output but similarly sits above the defensive threshold, reducing overall reliability.

Delouise Hoeter meets the run metre KPI but does not meet the defensive standard, limiting his effectiveness within a defence-first model.

Kotoni Staggs exceeds the run metre benchmark but significantly exceeds the missed tackle threshold, which heavily impacts his suitability under this framework.

With centres and wingers typically playing full 80-minute roles and not subject to rotation, selection must prioritise players capable of consistently meeting both run metre and defensive KPIs, with particular emphasis on defensive reliability.

Accordingly, the following configuration appears optimal based on the club’s current centre and wing options:

PositionPlayer
WingArthars 
CentreKarapani 
CentreMariner 
WingShibasaki 

While Shibasaki’s selection on the wing is sub-optimal, he represents the best available option among Anderson, Hoeter and Staggs, recording the equal lowest number of missed tackles and the highest average run metres.

Halves and Hooker

Key KPIs: <2 missed tackles, 1+ try assists, 100+ kicking metres, 1+ dropouts

RankPlayerTry AssistsMissed TacklesKicking MetresDropouts
1Paix0120
2Reynolds123601
3Duffy122400
4Rodgers121050
5Mozer0250
6Hunt132660
7Walters03330
8Mam14470

No player within this positional group meets all key positional KPIs of 1+ try assists, fewer than two missed tackles, more than 100 kicking metres, and at least one forced dropout per game.

Given the tactical emphasis on defence, Cory Paix provides the most reliable defensive output, recording fewer than two missed tackles. However, his limited contribution in try assists, kicking metres and forced dropouts reduces his overall effectiveness in key playmaking responsibilities.

Adam Reynolds provides elite kicking metres, meets try assist and dropout KPIs, and demonstrates strong game control. However, he sits marginally above the missed tackle threshold.

Tom Duffy meets both the try assist and kicking metre KPIs, indicating strong attacking contribution. However, his defensive output sits above the acceptable threshold, and he provides no forced dropouts.

Josh Rodgers presents a similar profile to Duffy, meeting attacking KPIs but falling short defensively and in forced dropout production.v

Blake Mozer offers limited contribution across all attacking KPIs and does not meet the defensive standard, reducing his overall impact.

Ben Hunt meets the try assist and kicking metre KPIs, demonstrating strong attacking output. However, he significantly fails both the defensive and forced dropout KPIs, impacting his overall rating.

Billy Walters does not meet any key KPIs, with low attacking contribution and poor defensive efficiency.

Ezra Mam contributes through try assists but falls well short across defensive and kicking KPIs, resulting in a highly unbalanced profile.

Given no player meets all KPIs, selection prioritises the best available balance, with defensive reliability weighted most heavily, even where thresholds are marginally exceeded.

With the Broncos requiring a starting five-eighth, halfback and two hookers (one starting and one bench option), the following configuration appears optimal based on the club’s current halves and hooking stocks. This structure allows the hookers to rotate at the 20- and 60-minute marks:

 PositionPlayerInterchange Rotation
20 Minutes60 Minutes
Five-EighthDuffy – –
HookerPaixRodgersPaix
HalfbackReynolds

While Paix and Duffy’s selection at hooker and five-eighth is not without limitation, they represent the best available options. This again highlights a deficiency within the Broncos’ squad.

Fullback

Key KPIs: 100+ run metres, 1+ try assists, 100+ kicking metres, 1+ dropouts

RankPlayerTry AssistsRun MetresKicking MetresDropouts
1Walsh11401250
2Perham012630

Reece Walsh meets the try assist, run metre, and kicking metre KPIs, demonstrating strong attacking and yardage contribution. However, he does not meet the forced dropout KPI, leaving his profile incomplete.

Hayze Perham meets the run metre KPI but fails to contribute meaningfully across try assists, kicking metres, and forced dropouts, significantly limiting his effectiveness.

With the fullback position principally responsible for attacking playmaking and yardage support, selection must prioritise players capable of contributing effectively across try assists, run metres, and kicking metres.

With the Broncos requiring only one fullback capable of playing 80 minutes, Walsh is the clear winner in this positional battle, despite his deficiency in forced dropout production.

Line up

Based on the above analysis, the 17 players that comprise the Broncos’ most effective lineup are:

 PositionPlayerInterchange Rotation
20 Minutes60 Minutes
FullbackWalsh
WingerArthurs
CentreMariner
Five-EighthDuffy
Second RowWillison – –
PropHaasTe KuraHaas
LockCarriganTaltyCarrigan
HookerPaixRodgersPaix
PropJensenGosiewskiJensen
Second RowTawha – –
HalfbackReynolds
CentreKarapani
WingShibasaki

This analysis reinforces a clear strategic position:

Sustainable success is built on defensive control, field position, and repeat pressure, rather than reliance on high-variance attacking play.

Where no players fully meet KPI requirements, selection is driven by system fit and balance, with priority given to defensive reliability and game control.

Freddie08

Season 2024: Early Preview

With the Broncos’ 2023 NRL campaign in the books, and the club already largely fill their Top 30 senior squad for the 2024 NRL season, it’s an opportune time to look at the on-field production of each player in that senior squad in order to identify their comparative ranking and how the Broncos might line up in the new campaign.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which will seemingly comprise the Broncos’ Top 30 squad for the 2024 season, each player from that squad has been allocated into one of four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their notional versatility).

Those four positional categories consist of:

  • forwards
  • centres and wingers
  • halves and hooker
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category has then been considered, using data sourced from the NRL.

Different weightings were then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group based on the assumption that the cornerstone of the Broncos’ tactical approach in 2024 will be as follows:

  • To have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game) in the forward, centre and wing and half and hooker positional groups.
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads per game from each player in the forward positional group.
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks per game from each player within the centre and wing positional group.
  • To generate 100+ kicking metres and multiple try assists and forced drop outs per game from each player in the halves and hooker positional group.
  • To generate 100+ run metres and 100+ kicking metres and multiple try assists and forced drop outs per game from each player in the fullback positional group.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players would appear to make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the 2024 NRL season.

Internal player rankings

Line up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the 17 players which would appear to comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for the 2024 NRL season would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 24 Team Selection

Following the Broncos victory against the North Queensland Cowboys, attention now turns to the Broncos clash versus the Parramatta Eels, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • All players in all positional categories (excluding the fullback positional group), to have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game).
  • Each player in the forward positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads (1+) per game (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to create try assist opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • Each player within the centre and wing positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the halves and hooker positional groups to generate 100+ kicking metres, and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the fullback positional groups to generate 100+ run metres, 100+ kicking metres and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 24 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Arthars and Oates recovering from injury and Taupau suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 24 clash vs the Parramatta Eels would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 4 Team Selection

Following the Broncos victory against the St George Dragons, attention now turns to the Broncos clash versus the Redcliffe Dolphins, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • All players in all positional categories (excluding the fullback positional group), to have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game).
  • Each player in the forward positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads (1+) per game (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to create try assist opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • Each player within the centre and wing positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the halves and hooker positional groups to generate 100+ kicking metres, and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the fullback positional groups to generate 100+ run metres, 100+ kicking metres and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 4 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Hetherington and Oates recovering from injury, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 4 clash vs the Redcliffe Dolphins would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 3 Team Selection

Following the Broncos impressive victory against the North Queensland Cowboy, attention now turns to the Broncos clash versus the St George Dragons, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • All players in all positional categories (excluding the fullback positional group), to have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game).
  • Each player in the forward positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads (1+) per game (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to create try assist opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • Each player within the centre and wing positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the halves and hooker positional groups to generate 100+ kicking metres, and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the fullback positional groups to generate 100+ run metres, 100+ kicking metres and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 3 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Hetherington and Oates recovering from injury, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 3 clash vs the St George Dragons would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 1 Team Selection

With 2023 NRL season commencing, attention for the Broncos is focused on their clash versus the Penrith Panthers, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • All players in all positional categories (excluding the fullback positional group), to have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game).
  • Each player in the forward positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads (1+) per game (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to create try assist opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • Each player within the centre and wing positional group to generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the halves and hooker positional groups to generate 100+ kicking metres, and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.
  • Each player in the fullback positional groups to generate 100+ run metres, 100+ kicking metres and multiple try assists (1+), and forced dropouts (1+) per game.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 1 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Hetherington and Walsh recovering from injury, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 1clash vs the Penrith Panthers would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 9 Team Selection

Following the Broncos’ impressive victory against the Cronulla Sharks, attention now turns to the Broncos’ clash versus the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL and QRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL or Queensland Cup, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • To have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game) in all positional categories (excluding the fullback positional group).
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads per game from each player in the forward positional group (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to create line break opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks per game from each player within the centre and wing positional group.
  • To generate 100+ kicking metres, and multiple line break assists, and forced drop outs per game from each player in the halves and hooker positional groups.
  • To generate 100+ run metres, 100+ kicking metres and multiple line breaks, line break assists, and forced drop outs per game from each player in the fullback positional groups.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 9 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Nui, Kelly, Turpin, Haas, Willison, Capewell and Piakura recovering from injury, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 9 clash vs the South Sydney Rabbitohs would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 8 Team Selection

Following the Broncos’ impressive performance against the Canterbury Bulldog, attention now turns to the Broncos’ clash versus the Cronulla Sharks, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL and QRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL or Queensland Cup, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • To have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game) in all positional categories (excluding the fullback positional group).
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads per game from each player in the forward positional group (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to create line break opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks per game from each player within the centre and wing positional group.
  • To generate 100+ kicking metres, and multiple line break assists, and forced drop outs per game from each player in the halves and hooker positional groups.
  • To generate 100+ run metres, 100+ kicking metres and multiple line breaks, line break assists, and forced drop outs per game from each player in the fullback positional groups.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 8 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Nui, Kelly, Turpin, Willison, Carrigan, and Piakura recovering from injury, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 8 clash vs the Cronulla Sharks would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 7 Team Selection

Following the Broncos’ disappointing performance against the Penrith Panthers, attention now turns to the Broncos’ clash versus the Canterbury Bulldogs, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL and QRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL or Queensland Cup, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • To have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game) in all positional categories.
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads per game from each player in the forward positional group (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to individually break the opposition’s defensive line or create line break opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks per game from each player within the centre and wing positional group.
  • To generate 100+ kicking metres and multiple line breaks, line break assists, and forced drop outs per game from each player in the halves and hooker and fullback positional groups.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 7 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Nui, Kelly, Willison, Carrigan, and Piakura recovering from injury, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 7 clash vs the Canterbury Bulldogs would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Broncos Player Analysis: Round 6 Team Selection

Following the Broncos’ hard fought but disappointing performance against the Sydney Roosters, attention now turns to the Broncos’ clash versus the Penrith Panthers, and which 17 available players make up the Broncos’ most productive team for the match.

To do this, we need to look at the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprises the Broncos’ senior squad.

Methodology

In assessing the on-field production and the comparative ranking of each player which comprise the Broncos’ senior squad, each player is allocated into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility).

Those positional categories consist of:

  • forwards;
  • halves and hooker;
  • centres and wingers; and
  • fullback.

Once categorised, each player’s output in defined key performance indicators (KPIs) for their respective positional category is then considered, using data sourced from the NRL and QRL.

To provide a realistic picture of each individual player’s on-field production, only data from those seasons, throughout the player’s professional career, where the player has played at least 13 games in the NRL or Queensland Cup, was considered. Where a player has not met that criteria, their productivity data was not assessed.

The KPI data considered for each positional group is based on the assumption that the cornerstones of the Broncos’ tactical approach is as follows:

  • To have minimal missed tackles (<2 missed tackles per player per game) in all positional categories.
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple offloads per game from each player in the forward positional group (to create second phase play for the halves, hooker and/or fullback to individually break the opposition’s defensive line or create line break opportunities for the centre and winger positional group).
  • To generate 100+ run metres and multiple line breaks per game from each player within the centre and wing positional group.
  • To generate 100+ kicking metres and multiple line breaks, line break assists, and forced drop outs per game from each player in the halves and hooker and fullback positional groups.

The findings provide an invaluable insight as to:

  • how each player ranks against their internal competition within their positional category; and
  • which 17 players make up the Broncos’ most productive team.

Internal player rankings

The player rankings by position are as follows:

Round 6 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, the Broncos’ aforementioned tactical basis and minimum required KPIs, and with Farnworth, Kelly, Willison, Carrigan, and Piakura recovering from injury, and Flegler and Haas suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 6 clash vs the Penrith Panthers would appear to be as follows:

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