The 2023 NRL season concluded with the Brisbane Broncos sending off key players like Payne Haas with a 34-20 victory against the Bulldogs.
This win, however, did little to alleviate the disappointment among fans who reflected on a season that fell short of expectations following a strong performance the previous year.
Justin Hodges, a Broncos legend, expressed profound concern about the team's prospects for the upcoming season, stating, "something has to change" to avert potential challenges for coach Michael Maguire.
He discussed the team's inability to maintain their successful form, attributing the disappointing season to various issues that went "horribly wrong" at training and during matches.
Hodges remarked, "It's been a pretty disappointing year overall when you look at what happened last year."
He noted that after a "golden run" the previous season, the Broncos had struggled significantly, particularly with an unusual nine home game losses.
"You're playing in front of 40,000-plus people. Every team is coming up to play us," he said, underscoring the pressures of their home games.
As the Broncos prepare for next season, their finish within the bottom four underscores the need for reflection and change to regain their competitive edge in the league.