Brisbane Broncos legend Allan Langer has thrown his support behind the club’s decision to bring Melbourne Storm great Cameron Smith into the coaching setup, believing his invaluable experience can help steer the team towards greater consistency as they navigate the challenging landscape of being defending champions.
The Broncos are set to enter the upcoming season with the coveted title of reigning premiers, a status that inevitably places a significant target on their backs. Every week, opposition teams will be motivated to dethrone the champions, a scenario the Broncos have already had a taste of. Their recent foray into the World Club Challenge saw them fall to Hull KR, a result that highlighted potential vulnerabilities despite entering the match as heavy favourites. The performance in England was described as lacklustre, leaving the team on the back foot from the outset.
Last season was a testament to the Broncos’ resilience rather than outright consistency. Injuries and periods of poor form put coach Michael Maguire under considerable pressure throughout the campaign. However, a dramatic resurgence in the latter stages of the season, fuelled by exceptional performances from stars like Reece Walsh and Payne Haas, ultimately propelled the Broncos to premiership glory.
Langer, a dual premiership winner himself during his illustrious playing career with the Broncos, acknowledges that defending a title in 2026 will present a tougher challenge. He anticipates that opposing teams will be more meticulously prepared to face the Broncos. It is in this context that Langer sees the recruitment of Smith, a decorated Queensland and Storm icon, as a crucial factor in fostering the consistency the team will need.
Speaking on SEN Radio, Langer expressed his strong endorsement of Smith’s inclusion, highlighting his role as a mentor and leader within Maguire’s coaching team, particularly for the leadership group, hooker, and halves. “He is just a perfect fit, as a mentor, as a leader,” Langer stated. “And for the leadership group and the hooker and halves. He is very qualified. You have seen what he has done in his career. Very good person, very good at tactics.”
Langer elaborated on the potential impact Smith could have: “If he can get involved with our leaders and show them, what and how he led the Melbourne Storm to what they were…if he can do that with the Broncos leaders he will add a fair bit.”
The Broncos’ Biggest Hurdle: Themselves
When questioned about the primary challenge facing the Broncos in their title defence, Langer pointed inwards, suggesting that the team’s greatest adversary will be their own mindset and the pressure of maintaining their top form. “The biggest challenge is themselves,” he asserted. “They got to make sure they are training well and turn up week in, week out. As we said before, every side wants to come to Suncorp and everyone wants to beat you. It’s a big challenge.”
Langer also took a moment to acknowledge the sustained excellence of the Penrith Panthers, who have consistently reached the pinnacle of the competition, securing four premierships in the last six years.
Reece Walsh Eyes Further Improvement
As the Broncos prepare for their season opener against the Penrith Panthers this weekend, fullback Reece Walsh has conveyed a sense of optimism and a belief that the team has yet to fully realise its potential in 2026. He specifically highlighted the attacking spine as an area where significant growth is expected.
“To be honest, I don’t think we even scratched the surface with what we can do as a spine,” Walsh revealed. “If we can all continue to grow and try and gel as much as we can and get on the same page, it’s exciting for us as a team for sure.”
Coach Maguire is reportedly planning to elevate Ben Hunt from his bench role to the starting hooker position for the crucial Friday night clash.
