Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson knows what it takes to win premierships and says Brisbane have the squad to go all the way in 2023.
Robinson is one of the great coaches of the modern era and has won three premierships with the Roosters in the past decade.
After his side was beaten 32-10 by the Broncos on Thursday night he was asked directly whether the Broncos had the roster to win the title in 2023.
“Yes, definitely,” Robinson said.
“They have got a very athletic team and a guy (halfback Adam Reynolds) who pulls the strings through the kicking which is really important to them.
“They are staying in the game for longer periods. That was a real positive for them tonight and it has been this year so they are one of the few (teams) that has an opportunity (to win the title) at the moment.”
The Broncos are now on 34 points and hold the NRL competition lead, at least until Penrith host Cronulla on Saturday.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters wasn’t getting carried away when told of Robinson’s remarks. The Broncos play title contenders North Queensland, Parramatta, Canberra and Melbourne in their remaining games.
“When I first took the job over (in 2021) I thought we could win the comp and we finished 14th,” Walters said.
“There is a lot of work for us to do. I know we are not the complete side yet and the players know, but what is exciting about this group is that they are working really hard for each other. We have got some great talent.
“Our next four games are really important to us as a group to keep sending out a message, not to anyone else, but each other…that we are going to have a good crack at what’s in front of us. It starts on Monday with our preparation for the Cowboys.”
Walters won six premierships as a player and knows defence wins competitions. They have the second-best defensive record this year and were solid against the Roosters.
“It wins you footy games," Walters said.
"What we need to do is maintain that and keep driving that each week. We haven’t been able to do that this year consistently with our defence but tonight they got two tries from kicks.
“Our left edge has been criticised but I thought Herbie Farnworth did a great job on (opposite centre) Joey Manu. Herbie is known for his attacking prowess but he was really good in defence.”
The combination with fullback Reece Walsh and halves Ezra Mam and Reynolds is just hotting up. Mam scored a double against the Roosters, Reynolds set up two tries and Walsh provided Mam with one try with a delicate kick.
“Their best is still to come," Walters said.
"We saw a couple of explosive moments from Reece but we need to get him in the game more. It will happen. Reece can certainly be a lot better for us.”
