Cooper Cronk has declared it “almost impossible” for Brisbane to play finals after Canberra thrashed Manly on Saturday afternoon.
The Raiders destroyed the Sea Eagles 48-6 to leapfrog the Broncos on point differential and into the top eight for the first time since Round 3.
It means Brisbane must beat the Dragons in their final regular season game next week and hope Canberra lose to the Wests Tigers who are currently on the bottom of the ladder.
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The Broncos could also make finals if they defeat St George Illawarra and South Sydney lose their remaining games against the Cowboys and Roosters.
But Cronk can’t see Brisbane – who spent several weeks this season in the top four – featuring in the postseason.
“The Broncos have to win by 43+ to move back into eighth spot (next Saturday) and then it’s up to the Raiders to win next Sunday against the Tigers,” Cronk said on Fox League.
“So come Sunday afternoon the Raiders will know exactly their situation but gee they’ve tightened the screws on Brisbane.
“It’s almost impossible for the Brisbane Broncos, they need to put 43 points plus on the Dragons next Saturday night.”
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The Broncos have now lost five of their past six games and Fox League presenter Yvonne Sampson said it’s been tough to watch.
“It is bitterly disappointing to watch the Broncos wither on the vine and slide ungracefully out of the eight in this manner,” Sampson said.
The Raiders on the other hand have won six of their past seven games and Broncos great Corey Parker expects them to play finals.
“Every club is just looking for an opportunity and one has opened up over the past month for the Raiders who are in sublime form,” Parker said.
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Cronk then doubled down on his tip that the Broncos will be watching the finals from home.
“The Brisbane Broncos at different stages have been in the top four, they have essentially just swapped positions (every week) all the way down to the last round,” Cronk said.
“There’s a lot of former Broncos at the Dragons who aren’t going to roll over and give the Broncos a run for their money so it’s almost mission impossible for the Broncos to get into the eight.”
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