Four things we learned from Broncos v Souths

 

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By matthewthorpe, 24 Jun 2012 matthewthorpe is a Roar Pro

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 Brisbane Broncos, Dave Taylor, Greg Inglis, NRL, Rugby League, South Sydney Rabbitohs

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Here are four things that we learnt from the Brisbane Broncos’ defeat of the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

1. Broncos Spine
The Brisbane Broncos’ spine (fullback, five-eighth, halfback, hooker), consisting of Josh Hoffmann, Corey Norman, Peter Wallace and Andrew McCullough, are quickly developing into on of the best in the game. Wallace has matured as a player without Darren Lockyer, and has taken control of the young side. This has enabled Norman time to ease his way into first grade and in the last few months his running and kicking game have been first class.

With Josh Hoffmann sneaking around the ruck, McCullough has taken it upon himself to run more often from dummy-half, drawing defenders and opening gaps for Hoffmann and the two halves to sneak through. Quick interchange of passing, and often kicking, means more often than not one of these four will find a way through the defensive line. In addition, McCullough has been playing more minutes in recent weeks, and this extra time on the field has kept the tight cohesion of these four together.

2. McGuire is ready
A Channel Nine Man-of-the-Match performance for Josh McGuire, churning out 46 tackles and 15 hit ups for 118 metres in 68 minutes. Running around with the number 13 on his back must have inspired McGuire to turn out a Corey Parker-like performance, although his trade was plied in the front row after Parker’s return from injury. McGuire’s been one of the Broncos best all season, and with big Petero retiring at season’s end, he will be an automatic starter in 2013.

3. Inglis for Queensland fullback
Greg Inglis was again the best Rabbitohs player on the field, in a year in which Souths seem to need both Inglis and Taylor to fire for them to have any chance of winning. While DT didn’t perform, Inglis was a constant threat in attack and hammered Josh Hoffmann a few times in defence.
Importantly for Queensland selectors, the elbow injury Inglis suffered last weekend didn’t hamper his performance and hopefully won’t for Origin either. Whether he is picked at fullback or in the centres, he looks raring to go.

4. Taylor not up for Origin three
Taylor turned in a mixed performance, some solid charges and tight defence spoilt by a few handling errors and giving away a penalty. He gave 100%, but looks down on confidence in comparison to Matt Gillett and Corey Parker, his main rivals for a Queensland bench spot.

Warren Ryan was quoted on ABC Grandstand as saying he wouldn’t pick Taylor for the crunch Origin III encounter, preferring the stability of Gillett and Parker. Whether the Queensland selectors feel the same is yet to be seen, but a rampaging Dave Taylor would surely intimidate a few New South Welshman.

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