Rugby league supremo Phil Gould has declared the Broncos are still too “immature” to beat the Panthers to the 2023 NRL premiership.
The sides sit on top of the ladder and are short-priced favourites to meet on grand final day, but Gould believes it’s Penrith’s title to lose.
Brisbane and the Panthers are 1-1 in their two clashes this year with the latter expected to win the minor premiership on points differential.
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The Broncos won 13-12 in the season opener in Penrith thanks to an Adam Reynolds field goal, but Penrith returned serve at Suncorp Stadium in Round 12 with a 15-4 victory.
Brisbane have enjoyed a stunning revival under Kevin Walters who took over after the club collected its first and only wooden spoon in 2020.
The Panthers are charging towards a fourth straight grand final as they try to become the first club since Parramatta in 1983 to win a third straight title.
Gould admitted the Broncos were the second-best team in the NRL but doesn’t believe their defence isn’t ready to topple Penrith’s attack.
“I think they’re a bit immature yet to be beating Panthers, who are hardened,” Gould said on Six Tackles with Gus.
“They are (a good side), it’s whether or not they can score enough points, given what the Panthers will put on them.
“It’ll come down to the best defence. I can’t compare the Broncos’ defensive system to the Panthers’ defensive system. The Panthers will be best under pressure.
“If the Broncos have a day out, if Reece Walsh has a day out, if Adam Reynolds has a day out, I suppose they can beat anyone.
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“I’m not saying it can’t happen, but I think Penrith will win the comp. Of the others, the contenders are falling away pretty quickly.
“It depends on Adam Reynolds if he’s fit and well come that part of the year. They’ve got to win one (premiership) in the next couple of years because I’m not sure how much time he’s got left in him.”
The Broncos beat the in-form Cowboys on the road last but Gould said both sides would have lost against Penrith or Melbourne.
“The game looked great because they were playing against each other. I think if either of those sides play like that against Penrith (or) Melbourne … they’d both lose,” Gould said.
“Melbourne are more controlled and more defence-minded. I don’t think Brisbane or the Cowboys would get away with what they got away with against each other.”
The Broncos host the Eels at the Gabba on Friday night.
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