Unfortunately for Broncos fans, a fish rots from the head A Set the default text size A Set large text size
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Being a Parramatta Eels fan you would think that Friday night’s crushing 46-6 win over the Brisbane Broncos would give me tremendous joy. And it did.
But not for the first time this year it also filled me with pity towards the Broncos.
What has become of the once proud Brisbane Broncos? How did they get to a point where after seven rounds they are sitting 15th on the ladder with just two points?
Broncos coach Kevin Walters will use his fourth halves combination in eight weeks as Brisbane’s search for a long-term playmaking answer takes another twist with the recall of maligned marquee man Anthony Milford.
Milford is set to be named to face the Titans on Friday after two weeks in the Intrust Super Cup. He will partner Tyson Gamble in the halves after Walters axed Brodie Croft and Tom Dearden.
Dearden s axing comes just 24 hours after he confirmed he was leaving Brisbane to join the Cowboys in 2022.
Gamble has played just three NRL games since his debut for the Wests Tigers in 2018 but Walters has made little secret he will try anything to find a winning combination with former Titan Albert Kelly back training at Red Hill for the first time this year in a sign any option is on the table.
Is Dearden s decision to head north the right one? A Set the default text size A Set large text size
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The news broke around 8:30am on Monday Morning that Brisbane Broncos’ young gun Tom Dearden had officially signed a million-dollar deal with rival team the North Queensland Cowboys.
Dearden and the Cowboys came to an agreement worth an estimated $1.1 million over three years which leads to around $350,000 each season.
This is North Queensland’s second big signing over the past week, as Chad Townsend was also brought to the club and will partner Dearden in the halves.
Thursday 29 April, GIO Stadium, 7:50pm
Raiders: Come into the game off a five-day turnaround after a loss to Cowboys on Saturday night. Joseph Tapine and Isosia Soliola are both options to come back into 17 after both were dropped last week. Jarrod Croker s position in the team could come into question with his form down but he also appeared to re-injure the shoulder he had off season surgery on and could be in some doubt. Bailey Simonsson should return from concussion on the right wing which could see Sebastian Kris dropping to the bench.
Rabbitohs: Tevita Tatola is in doubt after he failing game day HIA. With the six-day turnaround he will need to progress through NRL HIA protocols and get doctor clearance to play. Patrick Mago would come into the 17 if Tatola is ruled out with Jai Arrow likely starting. Jaxson Paulo suffered a shoulder injury in first half against the Titans and was able to play on but could be in some doubt. Cody Walker will continue at fullback with Benji Mars