Kevin Walters fires back at Phil Gould after brutal Brisbane Broncos comment

Kevin Walters has hit back at claims from Phil Gould that the Broncos can't win the competition, suggesting the Bulldogs supremo should focus on his own team. Speaking on '100% Footy' on Monday night, Channel 9 commentator Gould said he doesn't think Walters' side are good enough defensively.

"I don't think the Broncos can win the comp this year," he said. "I just don't see enough in their defence to win it.

"The Panthers have got a far better defence than (the Broncos) have, but (Brisbane) have certainly got the athleticism and the strike power. They're a good side. Their performances show that but they're not going to beat Penrith at finals time."

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Walters was told of Gould's comments at his Wednesday press conference ahead of the Broncos' clash with the Sydney Roosters at the Gabba on Thursday night. The Broncos coach shot back: "We are worried about ourselves, and Phil should be doing the same.

"We know we have some work to do defensively. We are aware of that and we are working hard on that. But we have come a long way with our defence compared to last year. There is a bit to go and that will be showcased against the Roosters."

The first-place Panthers have the best defensive record in the NRL this year, conceding just 236 points in 18 games (13.1 per match). The Broncos have allowed 341 points in 19 games at an average of 17.9.

Walters' men have produced a remarkable turnaround considering where they were at the end of 22. In the last six games of 2022 they leaked an average of 35 points per match and missed the finals.

"We haven't played our best football yet. That's in front of us," Walters said. "We will start to see that again tomorrow against a good opposition. It's great to be alive playing at the Broncos. We need to keep improving, particularly our defensive mindset."

Roosters confident Victor Radley will return

Walters confirmed Brendan Piakura won't play on Thursday night despite being named in the side. The second-rower hasn't recovered from the illness that kept him out of last week's win over South Sydney. Pat Carrigan will again play in the second-row and Xavier Willison will come off the bench.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson was optimistic about lock Victor Radley playing the game after he missed last week's win over Gold Coast with a hamstring injury. "He trained well yesterday so today is the real test for him to cross that line to play," Robinson said on Wednesday morning.

"He is an important in for us if he gets across the line. If not it will be the same team as last week."

with AAP

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