Why it’s work boots, and not footy boots, that are behind the Broncos march to glory
Brisbane Broncos assistant coach Lee Briers pinpointed an ethos in pre-season that has defined the side this year and it all started with the mantra of “bring your work boots”.
Payne Haas of the Broncos in action . (AAP Image/Darren England)
The Broncos demolished Melbourne 26-0 in the qualifying final at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night by adhering to that philosophy and advanced to a home grand final qualifier in a fortnight.
Briers took it a step further against the Storm when he told the players: “I want you to leave your footy boots behind for the first 30 minutes and just bring your work boots.”
When asked about bringing the work boots, captain Adam Reynolds told AAP it was pivotal to success.
“We always do bring them, and we will keep bringing them,” Reynolds grinned.
“We know how physical the Storm are at the start of a game and we knew we had to match that intensity and get in the grind.
“Once we plied our trade through the middle we knew they would fatigue and we could go around them and be more expansive.
“It was similar to the way we have played at our best throughout the year really.
“Lee (Briers) has brought another voice and opinion and he is a smart footy man. We actually think the same in terms of footy structure and he is good to bounce ideas off.”
The idea was to tire out the Storm forwards by working them over in the middle and on the edges with starting middles Payne Haas, Thomas Flegler and Patrick Carrigan leading the way.
Back-rower Jordan Riki pulverised Tui Kamikamica early on against the Storm and Carrigan cut Josh King in half. It set a trend for the night. In the second half the Broncos were able to set loose No.1 Reece Walsh and the backline with impact.
The Broncos have flair and speed out wide with Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo. Kotoni Staggs and company all producing brilliance, but coach Kevin Walters and his assistants have made it clear to the players they have to earn the right to unleash.
It all starts with going after the game early in the middle, as they did in the 13-12 round one win over Penrith and have done consistently ever since.
“Our forwards have been crucial to us the whole season with the platform they’ve laid and that allows me, Ezra Mam, Walshy and Billy Walters to play our style of footy and get some success,” Reynolds said.
“To win a semi-final, and in the fashion we did it, gives us confidence moving forward.
“We know we can be even better and we have a fortnight to have a look at our game, regroup and come back and get it right.”
