Why Walters is adamant Brisbane will play finals in 2024

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevvie Walters has declared his side will defy the odds and finish in the NRL’s top eight this season after coming back from behind to defeat the Parramatta Eels 30-24.

Since the Broncos' stunning 46-18 loss to the Gold Coast Titans in Round 22, the team’s finals hopes have been hanging on by a thread and essentially out of their own destiny.

However, the inconsistent form of the sides above them has catapulted them back into contention with just two games to play.

Needing to win their next two games and the Dragons to lose the next three straight in order to play finals, Walters isn’t ready to rule his side out of the race for finals yet.

“There is no if here, we’re going to make the finals,” Walters declared.

“Yeah (we can challenge in the finals), we will make the finals but we’ve got to play well next week.

“We didn’t play well and we managed to win but if we come up with that next week it won’t be the same result.”

Reflecting on the crucial win over Parramatta, Walters was far from pleased with his side going down by 16 points in the first half but noted his pride in the fighting spirit for the remainder of the clash.

“I was a bit frustrated, it wasn’t a good start from our fellas,” Walters added.

“We went against everything we spoke about, but I admired their courage to stay in the game and fight hard in the first half and even in the second half it got tough in different stages.

“It was a much-needed win obviously and it wasn’t that pretty but they hung in there well.

“They never gave up, that’s how they won the game. Some of the footy wasn’t very enticing but we got the job done.

“The important thing tonight was to come here and win.”

The Broncos remain at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday evening for a do-or-die clash with the Dolphins in Round 26.