Buoyant Broncos roll into Titans derby with confidence

The Broncos head into their Indigenous Round clash with the Titans on a roll and secure in the knowledge that they can win without Adam Reynolds and without being at their absolute best.

Those were the key learnings to come out of the 36-12 win over the Knights, with their skipper missing due to a groin strain and the Broncos making 12 errors and completing at just 71 per cent.

The victory at McDonald Jones Stadium was the fifth on the trot for Kevin Walters’ men and sees them nestled in fifth position as they head into Queensland derby and then a bye.

“It’s always good when you can win games even though you didn’t play well,” said fullback Te Maire Martin.

“A lot of the boys were a bit frustrated with their game so when we all do play well it’ll be hard for teams to handle it.

“It gives us a bit of confidence to win without 'Reyno' out there. It was a bit quiet at the start because we are used to his voice but as the game went on Tyson [Gamble] and Ezra [Mam] did a pretty good job.”

After resuming his NRL career in round five, Martin is yet to taste defeat, making a solid contribution at the back with five tackle breaks, four line break assists and two try assists.

The 26-year-old admits the game is a lot quicker than when he last played in 2019 with the Cowboys but says he is feeling more comfortable with each passing game.

“I feel like I’m more organised than I was a few weeks back when I was gassed a fair bit,” he said.

 “There’s a good feeling around the place when you’re winning and it would be great to make it six in a row heading into the bye.

“We’re hoping for a big crowd at Suncorp Stadium. I didn’t play many games there when I was with the Cowboys so I didn’t realise how much you benefit from that home crowd.

“We’ve got a few proud indigenous boys in the side so we’ll be looking to put on a good performance for them.”

Two of the club’s Indigenous stars, Kotoni Staggs and Albert Kelly, collaborated on the design for the special jersey the Broncos will wear against the Titans.

“I represent my culture and family every time I play, but this is a special time to wear the jersey,” Staggs said.

“The Goanna is my Wiradjuri side of the family and I have that tattooed on my arm, it’s a big part of me and where I come from and who I am today and what I stand for.

“The ringtail possum is the other side of my family and it’s important to acknowledge them and pay respects to both sides of the family.”