Brisbane coach Kevin Walters defended his team in front of the Sydney media following his side’s loss to South Sydney.
The Broncos will most likely slip out of the top eight by the end of the round following their 22-12 loss to the Rabbitohs, making it three losses on the trot for Walters’ side.
It’s been a miserable month for the Broncos as they grapple with Adam Reynolds’ absence and Reece Walsh’ unavailability through Origin and injury.
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They also could face the prospect of Jordan Riki facing time on the sidelines after he was sin-binned for an off-the-ball hit on Cameron Murray.
Speaking to reporters after the clash at Accor Stadium, Walters was put on the defensive from the outset when asked if he still had confidence in Brisbane’s top eight hopes.
“I’m very confident,” he said before pausing.
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He was then pushed further about the team’s form.
“I’ve seen what these boys can do. It’s just their attitudes. We’re just not quite right at the moment. But we’ll keep working on it.
“And when we get it right, you’ll all know. You’ll see it. Then we don’t have to answer these questions that you’re asking me now.
“I’m going to stay on the front foot and positive. We’re not lacking in fitness. What’s letting us down is our skill level, which everyone would agree is of a very high level.
“We’re just not doing the basics and we’re, we’re paying a price for it. It’s a good lesson for all of us.”
Broncos captain Pat Carrigan added: “I look at the quality of footy that we play no matter where we’re sitting on the ladder.
“That’s just my personality and that’s the personality of the group and, or Kev drives it in the group.
“So, yeah, I think it’s just addressing the little concentration lapses and, and the small fundamental errors we’re having at the moment.”
While the coach did not want to attribute their recent slide to their injury woes, he did admit it has stifled his team’s attack.
“We’ve got the worst completion rate in the competition. Which makes you do more work in defence. I’m frustrated. I can’t imagine how the players are,” he said.
“We’ve got to hold the ball and build pressure. And that’s going to help our game so much. Until we do that. This will keep happening.”
While the record states Brisbane is on the decline, Walters said the nature of the NRL means you always have a chance.
“I’m pretty sure fourth and ninth are all on the same points. It’s all very tight, isn’t it? Which is good for us in a way.”