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'Start hurting blokes': Broncos great calls for increased physicality against Warriors
Joel Gould, AAP • April 15th, 2025 3:15 pm
Brisbane legend Trevor Gillmeister has urged the pack to fire up defensively and start hurting opponents as tyro prop Xavier Willison puts his hand up to provide more impetus.
The Broncos pack was dominated last week by the Sydney Roosters in a 26-16 loss, as they were in a 32-22 towelling by Canberra in round two.
Brisbane's failing in the forwards is that they are too compliant and wait for the opposition to throw a punch before throwing one of their own. They have absorbed pressure well but need to apply more, starting with Saturday's away clash with the Warriors.
"It was a harsh lesson. We needed to be more physical," coach Michael Maguire said after the Roosters loss.
"The Roosters turned up and had more physicality. I know it's in our team but we have to look at ourselves."
Gillmeister, who won titles at Brisbane in 1992 and 1993, is known as "The Axe" for good reason. He was one of the fiercest defenders of all-time and dished out punishment.
"I agree with Madge (Maguire). The Broncos need to start hurting a few more blokes," Gillmeister told AAP.
"They have got to be more physical in the middle and the only way to do that is to bend their backs and use their shoulders more in the tackles.
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"They need to whack a few. You can't be nice on a football field. Once you've finished the game shake hands and say, 'sweet mate. No dramas. See you next round and I can cut you in half again next time'."
Gillmeister said too many of the Broncos forwards hold attackers up in a tackle and "take them down slowly to get more time in the play the-ball".
"You can't be just catching and holding players defensively all the time. You've got to bend your back and hit them with your shoulders," Gillmeister said.
"When Penrith were at their best the last four years you didn't see Liam Martin and Moses Leota catching. They try to hurt you both when they run the ball and when they tackle you."
Gillmeister had been impressed with 22-year-old prop Willison, who played 51 minutes last week off the bench and uses his 199cm and 114kg frame to assert himself.
"The beauty of Willison is for such a big bloke he has got a good motor and it will only get better the more game time he plays each week," Gillmeister said.
"He is good on his feet and can step. I'd like to see him bend his back a bit more in tackles. I think he would take the opposition by surprise and cut them in half occasionally."
Willison turned the round five 46-24 win over Wests Tigers with two barnstorming tries either side of halftime to give his side the lead. He is chiming in off the bench with impact after Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas start.
"I am just trying to bring lots of energy," he said.
"I takes lots of things from Payne's game and Patty.
"I feel like I am improving each week but there will be times when they go to Origin when I will have to step up (and start). Until that comes I have to make sure I am doing my job."
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of the NZ Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos at Go Media Stadium, starting 6pm Saturday, kick-off 7.30pm.
