Andrew Johns has claimed the injuries in 2026 have exposed the Brisbane Broncos’ lack of depth after their eighth loss in a row left their NRL finals hopes in tatters. Nicho Hynes and the Sharks were too strong for a depleted Broncos side at Suncorp Stadium after Sione Katoa scored a triple to sink the home side.
The Broncos now languish in 16th and would need to win close to all eight games remaining to have the opportunity of playing NRL finals footy. The reigning premiers have dealt with a mammoth injury toll in 2026 having lost the likes of Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Patrick Carrigan and Adam Reynolds on a number of occasions.
Andrew Johns (pictured right) has claimed the Broncos squad depth has been exposed in 2026. (Images: Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
Against the Sharks they were also missing the likes of Ezra Mam with a number of fringe players stepping up. While they should welcome back a number of their stars next week from State of Origin duties, fans are wondering what Maguire does to improve their season.
And NRL legend Johns feels there are a number of Broncos players in the current squad who have struggled with the jump to first grade. Johns claimed the injury toll has been brutal on the Broncos, but it has exposed their lack of depth.
And this could be a problem for the side who are losing Haas and Reynolds next season. “They’re gone – they were gone a month ago,” Johns said on Channel Nine.
“They had 11 first graders out, but the two players they’re missing are obvious, Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, they provide so much with their running game. The depth just isn’t there. It’s hard to win without your best players and the players who are in there, aren’t used to playing at that level and it takes a toll. The simple thing is, there’s players there who just aren’t up to first grade level … that’s the problem.”
Roosters great Brad Fittler said while there injury toll has hampered them they aren’t the only team dealing with a number of players out. The South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wests Tigers and Eels are all dealing with huge injury tolls and are currently above the Broncos on the ladder.
“I know you’re trying to justify it by saying they’re going through injuries, but a lot of teams are and I look at someone like Souths – they have found players,” he said. “It’s more than just that, but I don’t know what it is.”
Reece Walsh (pictured) has endured a tough season in the Broncos jersey. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
(Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images)Michael Maguire backs current Broncos squad
The Broncos are in a dire situation as defending champions as they face an immense battle to play finals footy. A loss next week to the Penrith Panthers would just about any chance of them defending their crown.
Although coach Maguire has refused to concede the season and is backing them to make another incredible run. “Why not? I have got a lot of belief in the team and the group,” he said after the loss to the Sharks. “A bit of attention to detail cost us, but the effort from the players was excellent.”
Michael Maguire (pictured) needs to lift the Broncos against the Panthers next week. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
(Bradley Kanaris via Getty Images)