Brisbane Broncos founder Barry Maranta criticizes “overpaid young players” following a challenging season.
Broncos founder Barry Maranta criticizes the current squad for lacking the “hard heads” necessary for championship contention
Maranta believes the team’s struggles stem from having too many “overpaid young players” on the roster. Despite a disappointing season, he remains confident that Kevin Walters is the right coach for the Broncos.
In light of the Broncos finishing 12th and missing the finals, Maranta suggests the team should take inspiration from Wayne Bennett’s strategies by recruiting experienced players to complement their young talent.
Historically, the Broncos have featured formidable players like Tonie Carroll, Peter Ryan, and Trevor Gillmeister, who instilled fear in opponents and set high standards. These “hard heads” were pivotal to the club’s success under Bennett, who led the team to six championships and 22 finals appearances in 25 years.
Reflecting on the current roster, Maranta remarked, “We seem to have overpaid young players. You can’t compete with 20- and 21-year-olds against those in their late 20s.” He emphasized the need to invest in seasoned players rather than just potential, expressing a desire to discuss recruitment strategies with the club’s leadership.
While the Broncos boast young forwards like Ben Te Kura, Brendan Piakura, and Jordan Riki, Maranta noted they lack intimidation factor compared to premiership contenders with players like Victor Radley and James Fisher-Harris.
He also lamented the departure of Herbie Farnworth to the Dolphins, citing it as a significant error. “Letting Herbie go was the biggest mistake we ever made,” he stated, highlighting Bennett’s successful recruitment at the Dolphins, where he assembled a tough forward pack.
Despite these challenges, Maranta believes in Walters’ ability to build a competitive squad, stressing the importance of balancing youth with experienced players. “I have full confidence in Kevin to get it right, but we need the right mix of players.”
