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Brisbane remains on the top of the NRL ladder after a thrilling 8-5 win over Penrith at Suncorp Stadium on Friday Night.
A try one minute from time to Corey Oates was the difference between the two as the Broncos secured their 7th win of the season.
It was a bitter pill to swallow for Penrith who played well until that point and had the lead after a field goal to Matt Moylan with 5 minutes to go.
While they didn’t score a try all match, they defended extremely well, and made good decisions to take penalties when they needed to.
Despite being a low scoring game, it was a thrilling contest between the two teams.
This was highlighted in the first half with no scores in the first 30 minutes.
Both teams had chances but ultimately couldn’t capitalise on them through good defence and bad decisions.
The week off for both teams seemed to affect them in clean use of the ball in attack.
When points did come, it was through the home team in the 35th minute, as Jordan Kahu opened the scoring.
He would get a nice pass from Justin Hodges and run into the corner for a try.
This would be the only try for almost 79 minutes of football as Penrith came back into the game through penalties.
After Corey Parker missed the conversion, Penrith won a penalty right on half time after a late attack.
They would take the two points on offer and reduce the margin to 2 at half time.
In the second half, the Panthers dominated, but couldn’t score.
Brisbane’s defence was incredible as it stopped multiple attacks from the Panthers.
With 25 minutes to go, Penrith got a penalty near the goal, and they opted to take the two and level the match at 4-4.
This turned the match again and Brisbane started to attack.
They would get repeat sets but also fail to get over the Penrith try line.
The Broncos would have two no tries as both were turned down by the video referee as they were held up by the Panthers defence.
As the match inched close to the end, the field goal came into play, as both teams started to set up.
With five minutes to go, Penrith got their chance, with a knock on from Brisbane 20 metres out.
Up would step Moylan to kick a field goal from right in front and put Penrith 5-4 up.
When Ben Hunt would miss a simple field goal, one minute later, the Panthers looked home.
Unfortunately for them, they weren’t, as Jamie Soward gifted the Broncos an extra tackle by kicking the ball dead on the final play for them in the match.
That extra tackle would prove vital as Brisbane went the length of the field to score and break the Panthers hearts.
By the fourth tackle, they were 15 metres out, and had the decision to kick a field goal, or score a try.
They went with the try and moved the play to the right.
Oates, with a thin defence, crashed over the line and steal the win for the Broncos in dramatic fashion.
It was their 7th win in the last 8 matches and they are now two points clear for the time being.
For Penrith it was a sad loss for a team that fought hard throughout.
The positive for them was the return of Soward and Taylor through injury.
Both played well and got through the match well.
The club will be happy with that.
Penrith now have a ten day recovery before taking on Manly at Brookvale on Monday night.
The Broncos now face the Cowboys in Townsville next Friday in what could be a top of the table clash if results go their way this weekend.
The Brisbane Broncos will be looking to remain at the top of the ladder when they face the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary of all the action from 7:35pm (AEST).
Penrith are clinging onto a top eight spot, having won two out of their last three matches despite an injury curse. They currently have seven players on the sideline, the most out of any club.
However this could be down to five if Jamie Soward – who has not played in 2015 – and Elijah Taylor – who has not played since Round 6 – are late inclusions tonight. Both are flying to Brisbane but Ivan Cleary won’t rush them in if he doesn’t think they are ready.
Brisbane has a raft of changes to the team that won 28-16 over Parramatta last time out.
Sam Thaiday has been suspended after the Anzac Test and replaced by Alex Glenn, who returns after a fractured eye socket, while fullback Darius Boyd returns after making a miraculous comeback from an Achilles injury.
At the moment Jordan Kahu is named fullback, Lachlan Maranta on the wing, and Dale Copley – who played at wing against the Eels – is on the bench, but that’s likely to change before kick-off with Boyd’s inclusion.
Brisbane have won their last two contests against Penrith at Suncorp Stadium. In the last six matches though, Penrith has won four, although three were in Sydney.
Prediction
The Broncos have one of the leading attacks in the competition with Penrith in the bottom four. When the Broncos score points quickly can Penrith match them?
That answer looks to be no and the home crowd should help the Broncos get over the line.
Brisbane by 6.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:35pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
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