Why Cameron Smith believes the Broncos are cooked in 2024

SEN’s Cameron Smith has declared the Brisbane Broncos’ season over after their 30-26 loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 19.

The Broncos have lost their last six matches and their last win came in May during Magic Round which was an unconvincing 13-12 result over Manly.

Smith said the latest defeat means the Broncos’ 2024 season is essentially on life support and coach Kevin Walters needs a miracle to sneak into finals.

“I think they’re almost done,” Smith told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“They had to win the other night. They just had to.

“I know that the Broncos are missing their Origin stars and they have injuries but a lot of other teams are dealing with those exact same challenges.

“We’ve seen a huge injury toll but they just haven’t responded.

“After that match concluded against the Dragons, people were talking about mathematical situations.

“Any time your team is being lumped into conversations in mathematical situations, that’s when you know you’re in trouble.

“They have to win six from their last seven games. That’s going to be a real struggle.

“Especially given the standard of play that they have given over the last six weeks. They have not won a game in that time.

“It’s just incredible and the difference between this Broncos team from last year (is stark).

“They had a fully fit team on the park last year. It’s not an excuse because they have a very strong lineup.

“I had them as Premiership favourites at the start of the year. I thought they’d kick in and go to another level.

“There’s a mindset in that football team where they expect that it’s just going to happen for them.

“They haven’t been consistent enough and given the form they’ve shown over the past few months, it might be too difficult for them now.”

The Broncos, who played in last year's Grand Final, travel to Newcastle in Round 20 to take on the Knights as they strive to keep their season alive.