Jordan Kahu just slid in a field goal against the Raiders late in the game, doinking it off of the uprights to pull off Brisbane’s first victory at Suncorp Stadium this year, 13-12.
Brisbane finally close out tight game
After falling to the Cowboys in Golden Point (once more) and losing to Melbourne because of a Cameron classic from the sideline, Brisbane managed to get the elusive win in a close game. The Broncos showed fight and pride in the jersey to dig deep and repel the electric Raiders offensive unit. Darius Boyd was excellent for them and put in a true captain’s performance to expose the inconsistencies in Canberra’s defense, and is a likely lock for the Queensland number one even with Billy Slater again in the frame.
Broncos bench gets them rolling forward
Tevita Pangai and Herman Ese’ese proved that they can roll with the big pigs after taking it to the vaunted Canberra forward pack and winning on points decision. Wayne Bennett’s use of the Bronco impact forwards has been impeccable and means that they don’t lose the roll on started by Sam Thaiday and Co who start. The Broncos are shaping as having one of the better benches in league right now, an area where they struggled last year.
Hodgson injury not too good
Some teams have a player without whom they’ll struggle. It appears for Canberra’s Josh Hodgson that he is that man. Their middle was very impotent without Hodgson, and they could not get a roll on against the smaller Bronco forwards. Shannon Boyd and Junior Paulo were just not able to dominate in the same way they had in the past, meaning they had to shift wide and spread the ball to attack.
Coal Train doesn’t leave the station
Punters waited for the return of big Dave Taylor to Red Hill, but found themselves disappointed when the inconsistent Queensland native sat out in favour of Joseph Tapine returning from an injury. The decision to not play Taylor could be a decision that the Raiders brass regret as he could have provided punch and impact when they most needed it late in the game. He also could have thrown the ball to Anthony Milford who runs the field to ice the game, so it’s all swings and roundabouts for the Coal Train down in the capital.
SCOREBOARD
Brisbane Broncos 13
Tries: Andrew McCullough, Darius Boyd
Goals: Jordan Kahu 2
Field Goal: Jordan Kahu
Canberra Raiders 12
Tries: Jordan Rapana, Blake Austin
Goals: Jarrod Croker 2
