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Behind enemy lines: Round 5

We went undercover into the Brisbane Broncos camp to see what they had to say coming into this Saturday’s match against the nib Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Wayne Bennett’s Broncos will come into this round looking to do some damage, after a disappointing loss, 26-14, to the Titans at Suncorp Stadium.

Sitting 10th on the ladder, the Broncos are in a relatively similar position to the Knights, with just two wins out of four this season.

The Broncos will travel to Newcastle near unchanged; the only adjustment to last weeks side is the return of Corey Oates to the wing in place of Jonus Pearson.

There has been some speculation that young prop Tevita Pangai Jnr will return to the side after being named on the extended bench this week.

Based on their Round 4 performance, Broncos’ hooker Kodi Nikorima stated that the team needed to go back to basics if they’re to come away with a win against the Knights.

“(We have got) a lot to improve on,” he said on the Broncos website.

“Starting with the basics…holding onto the ball would be a good start and completing our sets. We didn’t do that tonight but we definitely have to do it next week.”

Bennett expressed concern with the Broncos efforts thus far, explaining that unless the Broncos can control the ball, they are fundamentally exposed.


He admits that whilst they had some moments of brilliance, consistency is key if they are to be successful this season.

“We can’t attack unless we hold the ball,” Bennett explained.

“Every year they (the opposition teams) improve defensively, but you’re totally exposed if you can’t control the ball.

“Our worst performances have been Round 1 and Round 4, and they’ve been our worst ball control performances.”