Whilst Brisbane Broncos legend Justin Hodges isn’t hitting the panic button just yet, he used NITV’s League Nation Live to slam the attitude of the current crop of Broncos.
The Broncos' went within a whisker of claiming the NRL title, but they look a shadow of their former selves in 2016.
Hodges has been critical of the sides recent performances, saying they were ‘un-Bronco like’.
“We’ve lost that brotherhood that we’ve had for the past couple of years.
“We really built a strong bond, especially in our defence. The last two weeks have been disgraceful. Letting in 88 points doesn’t happen when you’re a Bronco.
“We always take pride in our defence, especially on our line,” said Hodges.
Whilst Hodges was highly critical of his former club, the ex-Broncos captain said he knows what’s required to turn their fortunes around.
Darius Boyd shows his frustration after the Broncos conceded another try. Source: AAP
Bronocos halves Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford are not enjoying the success that they achieved last season, where they led the club to a Grand Final, and Hodges says they must turn their form around.
“At the moment they’re just going through a bad patch like every team does.
Brisbane's Anthony Milford is determined to turn his season around. (AAP) Source: AAP
“I think at the moment the halves just need to run the ball. They’re putting too much pressure on themselves, they’re worried about passing first and they’re most dangerous when they’re running.
“If those guys get focused back on playing some good football. If they’re running the ball and taking the line on , the Broncos will be back," said Hodges.
The Broncos have the bye this week, but tackle South Sydney next Saturday at ANZ Stadium.
Brisbane were trounced by the Melbourne Storm at the weekend. Source: AAP
Brisbane currently sits in seventh place on the NRL ladder and is facing mounting pressure to maintain their place in the all-important top eight.
Wayne Bennett will be relieved however with his State of Origin contingent welcomed back into the fold, but Hodges says they cannot rely solely on their Queensland stars, given the impact Origin can have on players in the weeks following the series.
“The Broncos need their younger kids, that second tier, to start stepping up. They need to make sure that when those Origin players come back, that they’re ready to lift them,” Hodges said.
