Broncos Player Analysis: Round 1 Team Selection

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Queensland Cup, each contracted Broncos player’s season-to-date performance is analysed and ranked against their internal competition.

This analysis process initially categorises players into four positional categories (with some players considered in multiple positional categories due to their perceived versatility):

• 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.

Different weightings are then assigned to the KPI data considered for each positional group 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

Following the conclusion of the 2021 NRL and Queensland Cup competitions, the player rankings were as follows:

Round 1 line-up

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Willison, Reynolds and Nui recovering from injury, and Flegler suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 1 clash vs the South Sydney Rabbitohs would appear to be as follows:

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