The Broncos are faced with crucial decisions for both their immediate future and longer-term strategies, as they grapple with a disappointing season.
Despite Michael Maguire's insistence that Brisbane's season is still alive, the reigning champions find themselves in a precarious position, closer to the bottom of the ladder than vying for another championship.
Considering their bye weeks, the Broncos head into Round 20 in third-last place, eight points behind the Sea Eagles and Cowboys, both of whom are fighting for a spot in the top eight.
In essence, with a daunting matchup schedule ahead, it would take an extraordinary effort for the Broncos to clinch a finals berth, prompting a shift in focus toward future prospects.
This process begins at the selection panel, where calls have been made for Maguire to reinstate five-eighth Ezra Mam to the starting lineup after a few weeks on the sidelines.
"They've got to pick him," stated veteran journalist Brent Read during a segment of 'NRL 360'.