NRL legends blast Brisbane Broncos after 'catastrophic' Storm rout

NRL greats Corey Parker and Michael Ennis have called out the Brisbane Broncos after a 'catastrophic' 60-10 loss to the Melbourne Storm only weeks out from the finals.

The Broncos' 60-12 loss was their largest to Melbourne and a 12th straight against Craig Bellamy's men, who have themselves shot back into title contention ahead of the penultimate round.

INTERESTING: Andrew Johns' advice to Ponga after toilet cubicle drama

'DESERVE IT': Penrith's request to NRL after securing minor premiership

Kevin Walters had harboured hopes of a top-four finish for Brisbane, who went on a seven-game winning streak earlier this season to blow away memories of two seasons at or near the foot of the ladder.

They could well end the weekend in eighth, with ninth-placed Canberra able to move within a win if they defeat beleaguered Newcastle on Sunday.

For-and-against is suddenly an issue for Brisbane, whose 100-point advantage over the Raiders was almost cut in half thanks to Friday night's historic loss.

Following the loss, Broncos great Parker offered the club a reality check and called them out for complacency ahead of the finals.

“They come to Suncorp Stadium in front of 45,000 fans against the Storm who are a genuine top four team and this was going to be their litmus test," Parker said on Fox Footy.

“They wanted a good baring of where they are as a football side. They just got it.

“60 points to 12. Embarrassing. Up there with one of the biggest losses in the club’s history.

“A harsh, harsh reality check to that football side of exactly where they are at.

“In my opinion from where they have fallen from that Parramatta game to where they are now just wreaks to me of them being content or complacent and they thought they were going a hell of a lot better than where they are as a football side."

Ennis agreed with Parker and said it was an 'embarrassing' night for the Broncos.

“Next week is a massive game for them up against Parramatta," he added.

“It is an embarrassing night for the club. There is no questioning that. It has been a catastrophic night for them.

“It was a massive opportunity for them tonight to really show their metal."

Ennis added that the injury to Kurt Capewell only adds to the Broncos' woes.

Brisbane Broncos in scrap for NRL finals

The Broncos sit in seventh place, two points above the Roosters and four points above the Raiders.

However, with a game in hand, the Raiders' run home is completed by games against lower-ranked sides Manly and Wests, while Brisbane face Parramatta and then St George Illawarra.

Coach Walters put on his bravest face after the game, insisting he still has "a lot of faith" despite being taught a lesson.

But his captain knows next week's home game against the Eels will be telling.

"We've got to respond and I'm sure we will," Reynolds said.

"Next week will tell (how badly Friday's loss hurt them).

"It's a shitty feeling sitting in the dressing room ... I'm certainly hungry to turn things around and get our season back where it should be."

It was just the second time Brisbane have conceded 60 points and the margin easily ensured Melbourne became only the second team to beat an opponent by at least 10 points in 11-straight games.

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.