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Legend's 'hangover' theory behind horror Broncos slump - Nine

nine.com.au

Darius Boyd's "hangover" theory for the Broncos' NRL slump is a textbook case of post-success complacency — and behavioural science has a lot to say about why winning can breed losing.

Hangover EffectSelf-Regulation TheoryComplacency BiasAttribution Theory
Legend's 'hangover' theory behind horror Broncos slump - Nine

Theory Briefing

  • Brisbane legend Darius Boyd blamed a 'hangover effect' for the Broncos tumbling down the NRL ladder after a strong start.
  • The hangover theory mirrors the psychological concept of post-achievement motivation loss, where past success undermines current drive.
  • Teams that peak early often fall victim to reduced hunger and relaxed standards — a pattern well documented in performance psychology.