Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has given Nostradamus a run for his money by asserting his team will make the top eight.
“We will make the finals,” Walters insisted, on two occasions, after the comeback 30-24 win over Parramatta on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos, on 26 points, are now two points behind eighth-placed St George Illawarra.
To play finals, they must beat the Dolphins and Storm in their final two matches and hope the Dragons, who have a far worse for and against, win no more than one of their remaining three games.
Brisbane’s finals destiny is not just in their own hands.
To comprehend the “finals” comment of Walters, it is necessary to understand the positivity that oozes from him each week, even when the Broncos lose.
The coach always believes better days are ahead and that the Broncos will fulfil their potential.
Walters was asked if the Broncos could go on a winning run if they made the finals.
“There is no ‘if’. We will make the finals but we have got to play well next week against Redcliffe,” he said.
The Broncos trailed 16-0 against the Eels after just 11 minutes.
Captain Adam Reynolds started slow but when the game was on the line he scored an intercept try and set another up for centre Kotoni Staggs with a deft kick.
Walters’ finals confidence is based on his belief that Reynolds’ best is yet to come.
“He is our captain and our leader,” Walters said.
“Obviously, he is a little bit disappointed with his performance but the thing is that we got over the line. We just had to win, whichever way that happened. He knows he can be better. We know he can be better. The whole team can be better.”
Reynolds said he “didn’t get it right” for the whole match, which will be his goal in the weeks ahead.
Fullback Tristan Sailor had what Walters said was his “best game all year” with an electrifying 60m try, a slick cutout pass to set up a try for winger Selwyn Cobbo and a safe match under the high ball.
The Broncos are far from the finished product but they fought back against Parramatta, as they did in the 42-18 win over North Queensland a fortnight ago when they trailed by 12.
“They never gave up. That’s how we won the game. They kept going and kept trying,” Walters said.
“Some of the footy we played wasn’t that enticing but we got the job done.
“We didn’t play well and we managed to win. I am sure if we come up with that next week it won’t be the same result.”
Walters said star prop Payne Haas (foot) would be available for the final round clash with the Storm. The Broncos hope Reece Walsh (hand) will also be in the frame to play.
