Brisbane will go into their fifth NRL Telstra Women’s Premiership campaign in unfamiliar territory after surrendering the title for the first time earlier this year to the Roosters.
For the first time in NRLW history the three-time champions won’t have the premiership target on their back but are still one of the teams to beat in the 2022 competition.
Much has been made around who the Broncos have lost – Origin stars Tamika Upton, Millie Boyle and Lauren Brown among them – but their recruitment drive has been astute in return.
Broncos recruit Jaime Chapman was electric for the Dragons last season and is likely to start at fullback while Kiwi international Annetta Nu’uausala was Newcastle’s best player in March.
Add in former Eels rake Nita Maynard to a line-up that still boasts 13 players retained from last year, including Ali Brigginshaw, Chelsea Lenarduzzi and Julia Robinson, and things aren’t as bad as it seems at Red Hill.
Broncos coach Kelvin Wright will have learnt his lessons from the 2021 season and will have his side primed to challenge for a fourth title.
Chapman discusses her decision to join the Broncos
Possible best 17
1. Jaime Chapman, 2. Emily Bass, 3. Amy Turner, 4. Shenae Ciesiolka, 5. Julia Robinson, 6. Tarryn Aiken, 7. Ali Brigginshaw, 8. Chelsea Lenarduzzi, 9. Nita Maynard, 10. Annetta Nu’uausala, 11. Tallisha Harden, 12. Amber Hall, 13. Lavinia Gould, 14. Jada Ferguson, 15. Crystal Tamarua, 16. Kaitlyn Phillips, 17. Sara Sautia.
Biggest strength
The Broncos remain the most experienced side in the competition on paper with 203 NRLW appearances and have the backline, forward pack and spine to match it with any opposition.
More importantly though their depth is back, which is something that probably went missing a little bit ahead of the 2021 season.
The additional signings of players like Crystal Tamarua, Brianna Clark and Shakiah Tungai provide not only cover but experience in big matches.
They have three potential debutantes in young guns Jasmine Fogavini, Sophie Holyman and Hannah Larsson, who are also expected to come on in leaps and bounds this season.
Biggest question mark
It’s simple, but how will the Broncos bounce back after losing three of their best players from last season in Millie Boyle, Tamika Upton and and Lauren Brown?
There’s no doubt they’ve got the star power and recruits to do so but given the length of the season they’ll want to be clicking within a fortnight of taking the field.
The Broncos never really improved as the 2021 season went on, something the Roosters timed perfectly well to go on and win the title.
Other players will be required to step up at some stage, particularly the 2-3 year players who have been around at the club from the start.
NRLW Match Highlights: Knights v Broncos
Draw snapshot
A blockbuster opening round match against the Knights awaits in Newcastle with the Broncos to clash against former teammates Millie Boyle and Tamika Upton.
Their exits at Red Hill have been interesting to say the least with the pair looking to get one up over their old club.
From there the Broncos will take on the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium before the Queensland derby against the Titans in round three.
They’ll finish the regular season with clashes against the Dragons and Eels.
The opening round of the NRL Telstra Women's Premiership kicks off on Saturday, August 20. Real hits. Real highlights. Unreal action. Secure your seats at NRL.com/tickets.