The Broncos, after the 2025 grand final won by defending like rabid dogs, are 0-2 to begin their title defense. The 66 points they conceded to Penrith and Paramatta are the most ever by the reigning champions over the opening two weeks of next season.
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But given the seemingly integrated way the NRL will be played and operated in 2026, this could be the season where vicious defensive lapses aren’t a complete death knell.
After widening the set restart remit in the off-season to increase “six times” by 35 per cent in round one, Thursday’s match at Suncorp turned into a skid, with Brisbane and Parramatta at risk of flying through the windscreen at times.
“Every time a six happens again, especially if it’s late in the tackle count, it cooks you,” star of Thursday night’s show Jonah Pizzet told Channel Nine after being asked about Rick Speed’s speed so far this season.
“You have to be so disciplined now, and there’s no accountability with that. [a six again call] Either way, you just have to get on with it.
“You can’t challenge anything, you can’t blow up, you just have to get on with it. The last game and the most disciplined team is going to win every week, especially early on. [in the season] When many have not. [match] Health.”
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