Four Pointers: Sydney Roosters 18 Brisbane Broncos 16
Roosters prevail in tight one
For 70 minutes it was an extremely tight contest, befitting of two teams vying to solidify their place in the Top 4. Both teams completed above 80% and there was very little to separate the two teams. The Broncos made 5 line breaks to the Roosters 2 and conceded 4 less penalties but were unable to overcome the Roosters defence until time had all but ran out for them.
The 2nd half went scoreless for half an hour with no side able to land that critical blow. However once Cordner crossed for his 2nd try it sparked a mad final 10 minutes of mayhem. When the Roosters seemed to be comfortably in the lead with 10 to go, everything unravelled for them as the Broncos ran in two late tries.
In the end though it was goal-kicking that made the difference. Jordan Kahu missed the equalizing conversion while Michael Gordon has fixed his shaky early season form with the boot to nail all 3 of his conversions.
Marshall showing some vintage class
Benji Marshall backed up last week’s good performance with an even better one, proving ing he is far from a spent force. He combined well with Ben Hunt to score the Broncos first try. Using his forwards as decoy runners he received a ball from Hunt to put himself through a gap and slide over the line. His running game was strong and passes were sharp, always finding their man. The Broncos late comeback all started with him. A rocket pass from Marshall to Moga who gave it to Oates in space got the Broncos within 6 heading into the final 5 minutes of the game. Two minutes later Benji found Moga again who crashed over for the game’s final points.
Regardless of the loss it was a good performance from Marshall who has hit back at any critics who have said he’s past it. He’s proven to be a more than effective back-up half and Wayne looks like a genius once again for signing him for close to bottom dollar.
Cordner has the week of his life
After leading NSW to their biggest ever win at Lang Park, Boyd Cordner capped off his week by condemning another QLD side to a loss. The captain of his club and state, backed up in spectacular fashion, playing the full 80 minutes and bagging a double. He grabbed his first try running in a unique sideways fashion, right through a gap in the defensive line off a pass from Jake Friend. His 2nd came about from his hustle in defence and enthusiasm to chase. Friend turned provider once again as a grubber through the line produced a horrible bounce for Kahu to take as he slipped up and Cordner pounced on the ball to fall over for the try that would end up ensuring the Roosters victory.
The two try haul continued Cordner’s scoring streak against the Broncos. He has now scored 6 tries in his last 7 games against the Broncos.
Broncos feel the sting of Origin period
Last year the Broncos suffered a severe dip in form during the Origin period and this year it looks it may be the start of déjà vu for them again. After stringing together 6 consecutive wins, the Broncos have now suffered back to back losses.
It’s by no means time to hit the panic button. Last week they were without 6 Origin stars plus their regular dummy half McCullough which always made a victory a tough ask and this week they had to do without the services of Anthony Milford.
However last year that slump over Origin cost the Broncos a top 4 spot and derailed their campaign to make back to back grand finals. History and statistics have shown that a Top 4 finish is essential to winning a premiership. If the Broncos are to finish their season there then they need to be able to weather the Origin period and come out of it the other side in good shape.
In the Sheds
Daniel Tupou came off the field early in the 2nd half with a leg injury.
Scoreboard
Sydney Roosters- 18
Tries: Michael Gordon (11m), Boyd Cordner (38m, 70m)
Goals: Michael Gordon 3/3
Brisbane Broncos- 16
Tries: Benji Marshall (20m), Corey Oates (74m), Tautau Moga (77m)
Goals: Jordan Kahu 2/3
