LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In another heart-breaking defeat on Saturday evening, the Brisbane Broncos find themselves teetering on the edge of missing out on the coveted top eight spot in the NRL Finals race.
It's crunch time for Kevin Walters' boys, who are facing an uphill battle to salvage their season and make a late charge for finals footy.
Despite the laundry list of excuses - injuries, Origin call-ups, and other unforeseen circumstances - the reality is stark: the Broncos will need nothing short of a sporting miracle to turn their fortunes around and secure a finals berth.
If they come up short and miss out on the playoffs, they will join the unfortunate ranks of teams who have failed to bounce back after losing a Grand Final the year before.
The Broncos' roster woes were laid bare this weekend when they struggled to field a full squad for their clash against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
With only 20 players available for selection, it's clear that Brisbane is grappling with a multitude of challenges that are hindering their quest for success on the field.
As the pressure mounts and the stakes get higher, the Broncos must dig deep, rally their troops, and find that elusive winning formula if they are to defy the odds and clinch a spot in the 2024 NRL Finals.
Will they rise to the occasion and overcome the obstacles standing in their way, or will they fall short in their quest for rugby league glory? Only time will tell as the Broncos face their moment of truth in the weeks to come.