Brisbane Broncos legend Darren Lockyer believes his beloved side has what it takes to finish this season inside the top eight after three convincing wins in three weeks.
After winning just two of its first six matches, Brisbane has recorded three straight wins against the Bulldogs, Sharks and Rabbitohs to get its season back on track.
Kevin Walters’ side currently sits in eighth position on the ladder with a 5-4 record and a point differential of -10. It’s a position Lockyer believes they can hold.
READ MORE: Adam Reynolds’ family still privately seething at Souths over ‘biggest mistake’
READ MORE: ‘Disgusting’ Liz Cambage claim leaves Aussie basketball legend Andrew Gaze ropeable
READ MORE: Dusty Martin snub ignites fiery debate
“On the last three weeks, yes (they can make the finals),” Lockyer told Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“The key is you’ve got to maintain that consistency, but to string three wins together like that, they’re some really good signs. It’s up to them and hopefully most of their key players can stay fit.”
Both Lockyer and fellow Queensland rugby league icon Wally Lewis were impressed with Brisbane’s performance against the Rabbitohs, which came without star man Payne Haas.
With Haas sidelined, Patrick Carrigan played a key role in his No.10 jersey, with both Queensland icons full of praise for the 24-year-old.
“It’s only a positive because (Haas) has been their best player for a long time,” Lockyer said.
“I thought Patrick Carrigan was enormous, but I think it was just a team effort. If you’re going to play finals, you’re going to be beating the better teams, everyone needs to contribute.”
“That’s the best game that he’s had and it was his ability to keep the ball alive which was the most impressive feature of the whole night,” Lewis added.
“He was fantastic and you could just see that he was fresh and ready to lead by example.
“It was a performance that he now knows he’s got to live up to each and every week. He’s proven to the fans and the coach that he’s capable of a performance that high and it really is a positive for the team.”
Walters and the Broncos face a crucial Magic Round clash on Friday night, facing the seventh-placed Sea Eagles who also have a 5-4 record through nine rounds.