Smith's bold call after Brisbane's Vegas setback

NRL legend Cameron Smith has delivered hope to Brisbane fans in the wake of their Las Vegas defeat, claiming the side are “premiership favourites” this season.

Last year’s grand finalists were upset by the Roosters on Sunday afternoon (AEDT), with the likes of James Tedesco and Joseph Manu starring in the 20-10 result.

While the early-season jitters can hit any team, the Broncos have lost a number of key personnel including Tom Flegler and Herbie Farnworth, while star back-rower Brendan Piakura left the field in the early stages at Allegiant Stadium.

Despite some tired moments and the surprise performance of the Chooks, the future Immortal isn’t concerned by Brisbane’s efforts and believes the heartbreak that ended their 2023 title hopes will only drive them further towards NRL glory.

Adam Reynolds after Brisbane’s opening-round loss to the Roosters.

“Taking the result out of it and what happened yesterday, I still feel that the Broncos are my favourites for the premiership,” Smith told SEN Radio.

“Given the way they played last year, they were so close. Having been in that position before, where you get so close to winning a grand final and you’re beaten – you spend that whole off-season thinking about that one match [against Penrith].

“Not even that whole match, you’d be thinking about that final 15 minutes.

“I think there will still be plenty of hurt deep in the soul of the Broncos players and for mine, they are gonna be the favourites.”

With an abundance of young talent across the backline, an elite forward pack and experienced half Adam Reynolds steering the ship, the Broncos are among the competition’s front-runners, but will need to improve on their display in round one.

The other team that ended up on the wrong end of the scoreboard in Las Vegas were the Rabbitohs, who blew a second-half lead off the back of poor errors and defensive lapses in a 36-24 defeat at the hands of the Sea Eagles.

However, the former Storm premiership winner believes their best football should see Souths make the finals this year after a rare slip-up last season.

“Rabbitohs are a deadset top-eight side,” Smith said.

Latrell Mitchell delivered a mix bag against the Sea Eagles.

“What we saw from them yesterday – they are a better side than the Manly Sea Eagles – but their lapses of concentration cost them.

“Their lapses of concentration cost them last year, they were leading the comp after 12 rounds and then they go on this horrible run.

“Their defence went out the window and they fell off a cliff. That’s the concerning thing for me for the Rabbitohs – if they can find consistency, they will be well and truly in the top-eight. They’ve got too many good players to not be part of the top-eight this year.”

Both losing sides will have close to a fortnight to recover from their American adventure, before squaring off against each other at Suncorp Stadium on March 14.