Flegler Benched

Benched

PETER MCCULLAGH

THOMAS Flegler will start on the bench in tonight’s game against the Sea Eagles. This is one of a number of changes forced upon the team in the wake of their demoralising loss to the Roosters.

After suffering two humiliating defeats in succession, Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Seibold needed to make dramatic changes.

Former players and bronco fans have all shared one voice this week, expressing disappointment at the less that adequate performance on the field from their team, who suffered a crushing 59 point to zip loss against Sydney Roosters last Thursday night.

Matt Lodge fronted the media at training earlier in the week, describing criticism that the team gave up too easy were fair, and admitting to the media perhaps the players thought they were better than they were.

Former Broncos great, Gordon Tallis stated he was embarrassed by the Broncos round four performance.

On social media fans have vented all week with some forums already predicting a bottom 4 finish, if not the wooden spoon.

Changes were inevitable, and some of the changes announced earlier this week were predictable, however the naming of Ben Te’o in the team was a surprise for most.

“Ben Te’o is going to come into our 17 – it’s an opportunity to have a bigger body in our group and he’s got a lot of experience,” said Seibold.

“We only need him to play a small role off the bench for us – he’s played in the biggest games in both rugby codes all around the world.

Sweeping changes were made to the line-up for Thursday night’s clash with Manly at Central Coast Stadium.

Sweeping changes were necessary, the Broncos had conceded 93 points in two ganes whilst only crossing the line once to score a total of 6 points from two game.

In the starting team, Kotoni Staggs returns from suspension to take his spot in the centres in place of Jesse Arthars.

Corey Oates moves in from the wing to start at second row, where he played much of his junior football, with the exciting Xavier Coates earning an opportunity on the wing.

Joe Ofahengaue moves off the bench to start in the other backrow spot, while Matt Lodge regains his starting spot in the front row after recovering from a serious knee injury.

The experienced Ben Te’o, a former Queensland State of Origin representative and NRL Premiership winner, has also been named after signing with the club last week.

Te’o will start off the interchange, having been named on an extended bench with Tesi Niu, Rhys Kennedy, Tom Flegler, Jamil Hopoate, Richie Kennar, Tom Dearden and Ethan Bullemor.

Weekend Team Lists

Broncos: 1. Jamayne Isaako, 2. Xavier Coates, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Darius Boyd, 5. Herbie Farnworth, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Brodie Croft, 8. Matthew Lodge, 9. Corey Paix, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Corey Oates, 12. Joe Ofahengaue, 13, Patrick Carrigan, 14. Tesi Niu, 15. Ben Te’o, 16. Thys Kennedy, 17. Thomas Flegler, 18. Jamil Hopoate, 19. Richard Kennar, 20. Tom Dearden, 21. Ethan Bullemor

Sea Eagles: 1. Tom Trbojevic, 2. Jorge Taufua, 3. Brad Parker, 4. Moses Suli, 5. Reuben Garrick, 6. Dylan Walker, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Martin Taupau, 11. Joel Thompson, 12. Curtis Sironen, 13. Jake Trbojevic, 14. Lachlan Croker, 15. Corey Waddell, 16. Sean Keppoe, 17. Taniela Paseka, 18. Morgan Boyle, 19. Jack Gosiewski, 20, Tevita Funa, 21. Brendan Elliot

Cowboys: 1. Valentine Holmes, 2. Kyle Feldt, 3. Justin O’Neill, 4. Esan Marsters, 5. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, 6. Scott Drinkwater, 7. Jake Clifford, 8. Francis Molo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Jordon McLean, 11. Mitch Dunn, 12. Coen Hess, 13. Josh McGuire, 14. Reuben Cotter, 15. Tom Gilbert, 16. Shane Wright, 17. Gavin Cooper, 18. Corey Jensen, 19. Peter Kola, 20. Jason Taumalolo, 21. Tom Opacic

Warriors: 1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Patrick Herbert, 3. Hayze Perham, 4. Gerard Beale, 5. Adam Pompey, 6. Kodi Nikorima, 7. Blake Green, 8. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Lachlan Burr, 11. Elisea Kotoa, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Adam Blair, 14. Karl Lawton, 15. Poasa Faamausili, 16. King Vuniyayawa, 17. Jack Murchie, 18. Agnatius Paas i, 20. Peta Hiku, 21. Isaiah Papali’I, 22. Channel Harris-Tevita