Warriors smash hapless Broncos

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BRISBANE’S 18-year semi-finals streak is all but over after an implosion across the Tasman last night cast them into disarray.

The Broncos are facing a final-round halves crisis ahead of their bid to snare a top-eight berth – and it looks like being the least of their problems with confidence shot in last night’s 36-4 slaughter at the hands of the Warriors outfit.

Broncos coach Ivan Henjak sprayed his troops in the dressing sheds at Mt Smart Stadium after they were given a clinic in a seven-try rout.

“I’ve got no doubt the sides that are in contention have gone up a gear, and so they should, they’re coming into a semi-finals series – but we’ve struggled to go with them,” Henjak said.

“We’ve just got to move forward. You can’t put the white flag up. You can’t say anything unless they’ve got a desire to do better.

“They are [young] but we’re not going to use that as an excuse. They’ll learn a lot from what’s happening and be better for it next year, but that’s the situation we’re in.”

On last night’s meek effort, it will take a miracle for the Broncos to salvage a semi-finals berth in next Friday night’s likely eighth-placed playoff against Canberra at Suncorp Stadium.

Star halfback Peter Wallace’s season is likely over after he busted his shoulder in the first half while the defensive flaws of teen pivot Corey Norman were exposed.

Henjak said it was highly unlikely champion skipper Darren Lockyer will be fit for the club’s do-or-die final-round mission.

That means Norman and utility Ben Hunt could pilot Brisbane in the halves for their last throw of the dice.

Forward Sam Thaiday is also in doubt after he suffered a nasty gash above his left knee – a mini-version of the horror “shark victim” wound injured Warrior Micheal Luck suffered a week ago.

“The Warriors were great – they were full of energy and professionalism – we were totally outplayed,” Henjak said. “We’re just off the pace. We’ve got to regroup, keep ourselves positive, and give it a red-hot crack next week. Our sticking together and having some pride in our club and our jersey – all those things are going to come into play next week.”

Wallace didn’t return for the second-half of last night’s seven-try thumping.

“No, Wal’s not looking real flash,” Henjak said. “He couldn’t go back on for the second half. It’s a blow.”

Asked about Lockyer’s availability, Henjak said: “I don’t think he [Lockyer] will be there next week either.”

NZ WARRIORS 36 (L Brown 2 L Hohaia 2 S Mannering B Matulino M Vatuvei tries J Maloney 4 goals) BRISBANE 4 (J Yow Yeh try) at Mt Smart Stadium. Referees: Tony De Las Heras, Jared Maxwell. Crowd: 21,627.