LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The decline of the Brisbane Broncos was starkly illustrated on Saturday night when NSW forward Payne Haas made a break down the sideline, receiving no support from his teammates.
This disappointment coincided with reports that Haas might entertain offers from rival clubs, further unsettling the team.
Facing a formidable Manly Sea Eagles, the Broncos struggled significantly, with Daly Cherry-Evans orchestrating the game and contributing to all four of Manly's first-half tries.
Following criticism regarding his place in the Queensland State of Origin team, Cherry-Evans delivered one of his best performances in months, alongside Lehi Hopoate, against a Broncos side that appeared outmatched.
Having come off an extended rest post-bye, the Broncos showed no signs of improvement, suffering a 30-26 defeat to the Dragons in round 11 and marking their sixth loss in seven games.
They now sit 11th on the table with just 12 points.
The atmosphere of despair was palpable as a Fox Sports broadcast showed Broncos coach Michael Maguire looking stunned in the coaching box, reminiscent of having seen a ghost.
Commentators Greg Alexander and Andrew Voss expressed their disbelief at the team's performance, with Alexander questioning, "I don't know where Michael Maguire goes to from here… there has got to be some improvement, but where?" Voss described Maguire as "grim-faced" when the camera showed him.
One pivotal moment in the second-half underscored the Bronx's struggles: Luke Brooks attempted to kick the ball into the Broncos' defensive zone but faltered, illustrating the lack of cohesion in the team.
Overall, the game highlighted serious concerns about the Broncos' current trajectory, as both players and coaching staff face pressing questions regarding their future and potential for recovery.