The Broncos finally get their second win of the season after a strong performance against the Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
The Sharks were off to a rough start before the game started, with Josh Dugan being ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during the warm-up.
The Broncos got off to a promising start, with Corey Oates scoring just seven minutes into the match. Alex Glenn followed up with a try of his own just a few minutes later. Completing at 90 per cent, the Broncos weren’t giving Cronulla any opportunities to compete. Though, in saying that, the Sharks weren’t giving themselves many opportunities to compete, making countless errors.
To make matters worse, the Sharks lost Shaun Johnson during the first half. Johnson left the field with a hamstring complaint and did not return. Jayden Brailey was moved to five-eighth while his brother Blayke moved to hooker.
Brisbane continued to dominate and cause trouble for Cronulla, completing their sets and building pressure. More points were scored with Joe Ofahengaue scoring in the 28thminute. Anthony Milford kicked a smooth field goal in the final minute, heading to the sheds up by 21 points at half time.
James Roberts scored a try early in the second half, taking the score up to 27-0. Ten minutes later, Jayden Brailey scored the first and only try for the Sharks with Chad Townsend converting.
Cronulla could have conceded even more points; however, their defence was better in the second half. Giving a full-strength Broncos outfit a 14-0 lead didn’t give them any opportunities for a comeback.
The Brisbane Broncos got the win they needed, defeating Cronulla 29 points to 6.
FOUR POINTERS
Injury Woes Continue for Cronulla
The Sharks’ injury toll continues to rise after losing two players early on in the evening. Josh Dugan was ruled out in the warm-up after suffering a hamstring injury. Mid-way through the first half, Cronulla also lost Shaun Johnson to a hamstring injury. This proved to be costly against the Broncos, however, the extent of these injuries remains unclear.
Just What Brisbane Needed
After a disappointing start to the season, the Brisbane Broncos got the victory they needed to keep their season alive. They had won just one game prior to this against the Cowboys and were showing good signs against the Raiders last weekend. In front of a large home crowd, they finally got the win they were after.
Too Many Errors
Despite being severely understrength, the Sharks’ errors have once again proven to be a detrimental factor in their loss to the Broncos. Completing at just 64 per cent, Cronulla put pressure on themselves rather than their opposition, constantly giving away possession and good field position.
Tough to Beat at Full Strength
There is no doubt the Brisbane Broncos are tough to beat when they are at full strength. They were gifted the return of players such as James Roberts and Tevita Pangai Junior, giving the side the edge they needed to claim their second win of the year. They were strong in all aspects, which will give them a confidence boost for the coming weeks.
THE RESULT
Brisbane Broncos 29
Tries: Corey Oates, Alex Glenn, Joe Ofahengaue, James Roberts
Goals: Jamayne Isaako 6/6
Drop Goals: Anthony Milford
Cronulla Sharks 6
Tries: Jayden Brailey
Goals: Chad Townsend 1/1
Drop Goals: N/A
SQUADS
Brisbane Broncos: 1. Darius Boyd, 2. Corey Oates, 3. James Roberts, 4. Jack Bird, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Andrew McCullough, 21. Matt Lodge, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Tevita Pangai Junior, 10. Joe Ofahengaue, 14. Kotoni Staggs, 15. David Fifita, 16. Thomas Flegler
Cronulla Sharks: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Josh Morris, 18. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Paul Gallen, 14. Blayke Brailey, 15. Jayson Bukuya, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele
