Brisbane have been called out by a Queensland icon who says he's sick of excuses from the underperforming NRL powerhouse.
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Former Australian and Maroons lock Billy Moore says youth is no longer an excuse for the Broncos 2-6 record and pointed to Cronulla as proof.
Under new coach Anthony Seibold, Brisbane have had their worst start to a season since 1999.
They've struggled for consistency following the departure of internationals Josh McGuire (North Queensland), Jordan Kahu (North Queensland) and Sam Thaiday (retirement).
The Broncos host an injury-depleted Manly (5-3) at Suncorp Stadium on Friday and Moore said anything short of victory won't be good enough.
"If Brisbane lose this one they'll tear the seats out of that stadium," Moore told NRL 360 on Fox Sports.
"At two and six they must win. They let Josh McGuire go to keep those young forwards, it's now time for those young forwards to stand up and say 'You haven't made a mistake in keeping us because we are the future'.
"But the future isn't in six weeks, in 12 weeks, (it's now)."
The Sharks (4-4) have played above expectations this season under rookie coach John Morris, with a raft of young guns making their mark on first grade.
Cronulla open Magic Round against the Gold Coast on Thursday and Moore expects them to back up a gritty win against Melbourne last week.
"John Morris hasn't used (youth) as an excuse," Moore said.
"They had six players that had played less than 10 games in the NRL last week and they beat a benchmark team.
"So no more excuses about youth, those forwards at Brisbane must stand up and win this game because they have a squad more than capable of beating the Sea Eagles."
Australian Associated Press
