Brisbane Broncos 2015 Preview

Without context, it's unusual to think an 8th placed finish was actually an improvement for the Brisbane Broncos in 2014. Plenty of hopes rode on the arrival of former Dally M Player of the Year Ben Barba, but it just never quite clicked for the men in maroon and gold last season.

After an indifferent start, the Broncos surged up the table mid-season before crashing and burning through the Origin period, never quite recovering despite stumbling into eighth place. They were summarily dismissed by state rivals the Cowboys in the first week of the finals, capping another forgettable season. The tenure of Anthony Griffin came to a quiet, unassuming end.

Now, a new yet old era awaits the Brisbane Broncos as we step into 2015. Prodigal father Wayne Bennett returns to the helm after six years in NSW, where he found some success guiding the Dragons to a 2010 premiership before struggling to kick-start the Newcastle Knights over three seasons.

Bennett's record is well known, guiding the Broncos to finals series appearances every year between 1992 and 2008 before his move to the Dragons saw similar success. But Wayne isn't the only new face at the six-time premiers, with Anthony Milford leading the list of stars joining the club in 2015. Other new faces include former Storm and Tigers forward Adam Blair, as well as Travis Waddell, James Gavet, Mitch Garbutt, and Hull KR's Greg Eden.

Darius Boyd, a member of the Broncos' 2006 premiership winning side who also tasted success under Bennett at the Dragons, rejoined the club in the off-season, but suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in pre-season training and is set to miss the bulk of the 2015 season.

There are a series of players who've left the club ahead of the new season as well - Josh Hoffman and Ben Barba have headed for other clubs, as have Ben Hannant and Martin Kennedy. How the squad stacks up after those losses is anyone's guess.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT
Sir Wayne. Brisbane's record under Bennett is not yet matched by any other NRL coach in the modern era. His ability to bring the best out of players was under question at Newcastle - but with plenty happening off the field there, that judgment can be reserved. With full control in Bennett's hands once again, it stands to reason that the men from Red Hill will once again be key contenders.

WHY THEY WON'T
Lack of starpower. For many of Brisbane's years the side had a stand-out leader on the park and an undeniable superstar in the halves - from the days of Wally Lewis, through to Allan Langer and Darren Lockyer, the Broncos have always been led from the middle. While Ben Hunt proved his worth in 2014, he's not quite at the same level as his predecessors just yet and that could expose the side when the crunch period hits, especially if he's selected for Queensland.

KEY PLAYERS
Ben Hunt
Hunt's form in 2014 was remarkable in an uninspiring lineup. His ability at halfback got Brisbane across the line countless times they may have otherwise capitulated and his presence will be vital going into this season. With Anthony Milford joining him, he might just end up with the halves partner he needs to really kick-start a Broncos' revival.
Justin Hodges
It's been an interesting ride for Hodges. Constant injuries have hampered his chances of completing a full season for many years now and it's cost the Broncos dearly. Hodges' impact down the right side is undoubted and his fitness is vital to Brisbane's campaign.

ROOKIE TO WATCH
The Nikorimas
Kodi and Jayden Nikorima both shone at the Auckland Nines over the weekend and were standouts in the Broncos U20's rise to the Grand Final in 2014. Kodi has threatened to break into the starting side for several months now and may even be a contender for the fullback spot in Round 1. Younger Jayden was also outstanding through the Holden Cup season and will no doubt see first grade time late this season or early in 2016.

PLAYER MOVEMENT
GAINS - Anthony Milford (Raiders), Mitch Garbutt (Storm), Adam Blair (Tigers), Greg Eden (Hull KR), Travis Waddell (Knights), Darius Boyd (Knights), James Gavet (Wests Tigers)
LOSSES - Josh Hoffman (Titans), Jake Granville (Cowboys), Ben Hannant (Cowboys), Jharal Yow Yeh (retired), Martin Kennedy (Roosters), David Hala (Titans), Ben Barba (Sharks)

BEST LINE-UP
1. Lachlan Maranta
2. Dale Copley
3. Jack Reed
4. Justin Hodges
5. Daniel Vidot
6. Anthony Milford
7. Ben Hunt
8. Josh McGuire
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Adam Blair
11. Matt Gillett
12. Sam Thaiday
13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace, 15. Alex Glenn, 16. James Gavet, 17. Mitch Garbutt