Broncos must end NRL title drought: Tallis

Brisbane know they must end their longest NRL premiership drought and deliver a title to their fans, ex-skipper Gorden Tallis says.

Josh McGuire.

Brisbane haven't won a grand final since 2006, the longest gap between any of their six triumphs. (AAP)

Former captain Gorden Tallis says it is time Brisbane finally ended their longest NRL premiership drought and delivered a title to their long-suffering fans.

Tallis said an injury-hit Broncos had done well to finish in the top four this season.

But he claimed success was judged by premiership rings - and six-time premiers Brisbane know they are well overdue to provide more.

The Broncos will line up against Sydney Roosters in Friday night's qualifying final at Allianz Stadium hoping to take a step toward their first premiership since 2006.

They came closest in 2015 when Brisbane had one hand on the trophy, only to have it snatched away by North Queensland in a golden-point epic.

The Broncos will be up against it in the Roosters clash without skipper Darius Boyd (hamstring), Andrew McCullough (knee), Korbin Sims (arm) and Tevita Pangai Jr.

But Tallis will not cop injuries as an excuse if Brisbane fail to end their record title drought in 2017.

"Brisbane probably need to win the competition and they know that," he said.

"As sad as it is, we get judged on how many grand finals we win.

"Look at (Parramatta great) Nathan Hindmarsh who is a legendary player but he never got a ring.

"That resonates with players. To be taken seriously in the game you have to win a ring."

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett said he wasn't losing too much sleep over their record drought.

"Those type of things don't worry me," he said.

"It's about getting there and giving yourself a chance.

"And what we have done is give ourselves a chance.

"After that if it works it is great, if not we will all be disappointed."

Asked if the NRL had seen the best of Brisbane yet, Bennett said: "I hope not otherwise I have to pull something out the next few weeks.

"We have played some good footy but I don't think you have seen the best yet."


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Source: AAP



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