The Brisbane Broncos reinvigorated their season on Friday evening at Suncorp Stadium with an enthralling 15-10 victory against the high flying Sydney Roosters.
MATCH DETAILS
Numerous penalties against the Roosters in the early exchanges saw halfback Cooper Cronk sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. However, being a player down didn’t seem to bother fullback James Tedesco as he barged past Broncos Corey Oates and Kotoni Staggs in the seventh minute to score in the right hand corner. A response from the Broncos came six minutes later, when an agile Payne Hass capitalised on a great backline movement and levelled the score. A penalty goal elevated the Broncos’ lead by two, before back to back penalties gave the Roosters the opportunity to level the score going into half time (8-8).
Strong attacking play from the Broncos placed the Roosters’ defensive line under immense pressure in the early exchanges of the second half. Enterprising, old fashioned football from both teams ensured the score remained at 8-8 until Anthony Milford booted a field goal for the Broncos in the 65th minute. A handling error from Tedesco gifted the Broncos valuable field position and gave new recruit James Segeyaro the opportunity to score his first try for the Broncos (15-8). Courtesy of the Broncos’ ill-discipline in the scrum, Latrell Mitchell closed the gap to five points with a penalty goal in the 74th minute (15-10). Brilliant defence in the closing stages from the Broncos cemented the victory and continued their reign of upsets.
FOUR POINTERS
Brilliant Broncos
Defensive pressure was the primary factor behind the Broncos’ success in this round 10 clash. Their 74% completion rate, 54% possession and 1696 running metres were telling statistics in the context of the match. Forcing the Roosters into making 16 handling errors was a testament to their effort, and has resultantly set the Broncos in good stead for the remainder of the 2019 season.
Roosters’ forwards gallant in defeat
Despite falling short on the scoreboard, the Roosters’ forward pack pulled out all the stops in an attempt to challenge their opponents’ defensive line. Isaac Liu and Zane Tetevano and Nat Butcher were instrumental in inspiring the Roosters’ second phase play and collectively created the majority of their nine offloads.
Fast and furious
In arguably the fastest game of 2019, the Broncos and Roosters exhibited glimpses of brilliance in both attack and defence. The intensity of the match, coupled with the teams’ willingness to compete, presented a great spectacle for viewers. Provided that each team carries this momentum into next week, they should make it very difficult for their opponents (Roosters v Knights, Broncos v Warriors) to secure victory.
Young talent time
By utilising their speed to target the tiring Roosters’ forwards, youngsters Tom Dearden, David Fifita and Gehamat Shibasaki created many attacking opportunities for the Broncos. In front of a packed Suncorp Stadium, Anthony Siebold’s prodigies showcased their talent and proved that they belong on the NRL stage.
THE RESULT
Brisbane Broncos 15
Tries: Payne Haas, James Segeyaro
Goals: Jamayne Isaako
Drop Goals: Anthony Milford
Sydney Roosters 10
Tries: James Tedesco,
Goals: Latrell Mitchell 3
SQUADS
Brisbane Broncos: 1 Darius Boyd, 2 Corey Oates, 3 Kotoni Staggs, 4 Gehamat Shibasaki, 5 Jamayne Isaako, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Tom Dearden, 8 Matthew Lodge, 9 Jake Turpin, 10 Payne Haas, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Matt Gillett, 16 Tevita Pangai Junior. Interchange: 13 Thomas Flegler, 15 David Fifita, 17 Joe Ofahengaue, 18 James Segeyaro.
Sydney Roosters: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Ryan Hall, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Matt Ikuvalu, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 8 Jarea Waerea-Hargreaves, 9 Victor Radley, 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11 Mitchell Aubusson, 12 Angus Crichton, 13 Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14 Nat Butcher, 15 Zane Tetevano, 16 Lindsay Collins, 17 Sitili Tupouniua.
