The Brisbane Broncos have confirmed that incumbent Queensland Maroon’s head coach will succeed Anthony Siebold starting from the season 2021.

The Broncos made the announcement on 30 September in a move which appears to be designed more so to immediately improve public sentiment regarding the Broncos, rather than proven on field success.

Walters was not my preferred option (Best fit for the Broncos’ Head Coach for 2021), and his coaching performances at Origin level (where he had the pick of Queensland’s NRL talent) left little to convince me otherwise.

Nevertheless, a change was necessary for the Broncos, after the failed experiment with Anthony Siebold. Whether selecting Walters, who has even less NRL coaching experience than Sielbold did, and not signing a proven director football to drive player recruitment, is a wise choice remains to be seen.

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 20 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Team of the season lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for the 2020 season would appear to be as follows:

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 19 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Round 20 lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Palasia, Lodge, Flegler, Fifita, Gamble, Turpin, Milford, Bird, and Nui injured, and Kennedy and Pangai Jnr suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 20 clash versus the North Queensland Cowboys would appear to be as follows (with the proposed interchange rotations also outlined below):

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 18 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Round 19 lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Palasia, Lodge, Flegler, Turpin, Milford, Croft, Bird, and Nui injured, and Riki, Kennedy and Pangai Jnr suspended, and Haas unavailable the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 19 clash versus the Parramatta Eels would appear to be as follows (with the proposed interchange rotations also outlined below):

Freddie08

With the dust settling on Anthony Siebold’s messy departure as the club’s head coach, the question now become who do the Broncos’ target to fill that vacancy ahead of the 2021 season?

Apart from implementing basic slide defensive structures to the team, and instilling in the team’s psych the criticality of maintaining the defensive line’s integrity, as opposed to coming up with highlight reel individual defensive plays, one of the key tactical traits the Broncos should look for in Siebold’s replacement is a coach who has a proven record of encouraging their team to base their attacking play around regular offloads from their forward pack, to create the second phase play and disorganisation in the opposition’s defence to give the likes of Bird, Milford and Dearden the best opportunity to showcase their strengths to individually break the opposition’s defensive line or to create simpler line break assist opportunities

While those players do not possess the creative passing game of traditional halves in order to generate line breaks through their slight of hand with the ball, they are blessed with excellent footwork and acceleration. Moreover, the disorganisation in the opponent’s defensive structure, created by offloads, is a sustainable attacking platform. Those two elements, in combination with an increased focus on forcing repeat sets via grubber kicks, are what the Broncos should look for in their replace coach in order to achieve the required consistency in their on field performances to deliver Premiership success.

Considering the playing strengths and weaknesses of the Broncos’ contracted players for 2021, and in particular the club’s halves, hooker and fullback options, I personally think the Walker Brothers’ tactical approach would best accentuate the attacking attributes of Broncos’ key play makers Milford, Bird and Dearden.

This is because this approach is precisely how the Walker Brothers’ like their sides to attack. The forwards of their most recent club, the Ipswich Jets regularly topped the offload statistics in the Intrust Super Cup, and key play makers, Jayden Connors, Michael Purcell and Wes Conlon, regularly in the leading group of players in the Intrust Super Cup in terms of line breaks. That’s not to say the Walker Brothers’ attacking approach is reckless, as the Jets’ forwards also regularly topped the run metres statistics in the Intrust Super Cup.

With the likes of Milford, Dearden and Bird, contracted at the Broncos for next season, and forwards Haas, Carrigan, Lodge and Pangai Junior all capable of producing the required run metres and offloads, the Walker Brothers seem an ideal fit.

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 17 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Round 18 lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Palasia, Lodge, Flegler, Turpin, Milford, Bird, and Nui injured, and Riki, Ofahengaue and Pangai Jnr suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 17 clash versus the Gold Coast Titans would appear to be as follows (with the proposed interchange rotations also outlined below):

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 16 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Round 17 lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Palasia, Oates, Glenn, Lodge, Flegler, Turpin, Milford, Bird, Coates and Nui injured, and Haas, Luke and Pangai Jnr suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 17 clash versus the Penrith Panthers would appear to be as follows (with the proposed interchange rotations also outlined below):

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 15 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Round 16 lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Palasia, Oates, Glenn, Lodge, Flegler, Turpin, Milford, Bird, Coates and Nui injured, and Haas, Luke and Pangai Jnr suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 16 clash versus the Sydney Roosters would appear to be as follows (with the proposed interchange rotations also outlined below):

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 14 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Round 15 lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Palasia, Oates, Lodge, Flegler, O’Sullivan, Turpin, Bird, Coates and Nui injured, and Pangai Jnr suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 15 clash versus the St George Dragons would appear to be as follows (with the proposed interchange rotations also outlined below):

Freddie08

Following each round of the NRL Premiership and Intrust Super 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;
• centres and wingers;
• halves and hooker; 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 Round 13 of the NRL and Round 1 of the Intrust Super Cup the player rankings are as follows:

Round 13 lineup

Based on the above analytical comparison, and with Palasia, Glenn, Oates, Lodge, O’Sullivan, Milford, Bird, Kahu, and Nui injured, and Pangai Jnr suspended, the 17 players which comprise the Broncos’ most productive team for their Round 14 clash versus the Canberra Raiders would appear to be as follows (with the proposed interchange rotations also outlined below):

Freddie08