Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Brisbane Broncos finals hopes are under major pressure as Michael Maguire’s side prepare for a must-win Round 17 clash with Sydney Roosters on Friday night.

The defending premiers have endured an uneven NRL season and risk becoming the first premiership winners since Wests Tigers in 2006 to miss the finals the following year. The match matters because another defeat could leave Brisbane Broncos with too much ground to make up.

For more on Brisbane’s roster debate, read Selwyn Cobbo Dolphins Move Sparks Career Revival After Brisbane Broncos Exit, while official fixtures are available through the National Rugby League website.

Broncos Face Roosters Test

Foxsports.com.au journalist Paul Crawley said the stakes could not be much higher for Brisbane Broncos at Red Hill.

“If they don’t beat the Roosters on Friday night, pull down the shutters because the joint’s going to implode,” Crawley said.

“There’s so much drama going up there at the moment, just when you look who’s coming, who’s going and all that sort of stuff and the fact that a premiership-winning team are going to miss out on the finals.

“This is their last throw of the dice. It’s almost impossible when you look at their draw that they don’t beat the Chooks this week, it’s all over.”

Walsh And Hunt Under Spotlight

Reece Walsh has become a major talking point after struggling to repeat the form that made him one of the NRL’s most dangerous players last season.

“There’s been this great white hope that Reece Walsh was going to be the answer for the Broncos and he just hasn’t been able to get going,” Code Sports reporter David Riccio said.

Luke Keary believes Adam Reynolds’ absence could give Walsh more control in attack.

“There’s a bit where Reece says it’s on me now, and he thrives under those situations and thrives under the pressure.”

The panel also questioned Brisbane Broncos’ decision to extend Ben Hunt, who turns 37 next March.

“He won’t be playing seven,” Keary said.

“With all due respect, I haven’t seen any signs really why they should re-sign him. If you’re paying $350,000-400,000 for experience, then I don’t think it adds up.”