Debate has erupted in the rugby league community as Michael Maguire, coach of the Brisbane Broncos, made the contentious decision to place Ezra Mam on the bench for the upcoming grand final against the Melbourne Storm. This move, which sees Ben Hunt starting at five-eighth, has drawn mixed reactions from experts and fans alike.
The Broncos have showcased remarkable resilience in their journey to the grand final, securing comeback victories in their first two finals games. In the qualifying final against the Canberra Raiders, they overturned a 28-12 deficit with just 15 minutes left, clinching a 29-28 victory in golden point. Similarly, they overcame a 14-0 halftime disadvantage against the Penrith Panthers in the preliminary final, winning 16-14, largely thanks to Mam’s dynamic contribution off the bench.
Expert Opinions on the Decision
The decision to bench Mam has sparked a lively debate among rugby league analysts. Fox League’s Paul Crawley expressed concern over the Broncos’ ability to afford another slow start against the formidable Storm.
“I don’t think that they can give up a lead again,” Crawley said on NRL 360. “To beat the Storm, they need to start fast. I would have had Ezra in the six jumper, and I would have had Ben Hunt in the nine. I think that’s their best team.”
NRL360 host Braith Anasta supported Crawley’s viewpoint, emphasizing the risk of falling behind against Melbourne.
“It’s a good point you make. It’s hard to keep coming back. That win will take a lot out of them,” Anasta added.
However, The Daily Telegraph’s Dean Ritchie offered a contrasting perspective, advocating for Maguire’s decision to maintain consistency in the lineup.
“You’d have to be insane to change your halves between the prelim and the grand final, after you’ve just won a big game,” Ritchie argued.
Historical Context and Strategic Implications
The Broncos’ strategy of utilizing Mam as an impact player off the bench has proven effective throughout the finals series. This tactical choice mirrors historical instances where teams have leveraged bench players to shift momentum in critical matches. The decision to maintain this approach suggests a belief in the existing game plan’s efficacy.
Ritchie underscored the importance of preserving the team’s winning formula, cautioning against altering a successful lineup.
“It wasn’t broken, Braith, so why would you try to change a winning side?” Ritchie questioned.
Conversely, Crawley highlighted the potential benefits of deploying Hunt in the dummy half role, a position where he has excelled for Queensland.
“Ben Hunt is a pretty good half. He’s a great hooker. That’s how I see it,” Crawley noted.
Looking Ahead: Potential Adjustments
As the grand final approaches, speculation continues over possible last-minute changes to the Broncos’ lineup. Anasta did not dismiss the possibility of a late switch, suggesting that the team might still opt to start Mam.
“Could there be a late switch?” Anasta asked, to which Crawley replied, “I think there could be.”
The ongoing debate underscores the strategic complexities faced by coaches at the highest level of rugby league. With the grand final looming, the Broncos must weigh the benefits of their current strategy against the potential gains of altering their lineup. As fans and analysts eagerly await the showdown, the decision will undoubtedly be scrutinized as a pivotal factor in the outcome of the match.
