Manly winger David Williams scored in the last minute to snatch a thrilling 24-22 win for the NRL premiers over Brisbane in a high class clash on Friday night.
Williams dived over the right corner for the match-winning try after centre Steve Matai had made a searching break down field from well inside his own half.
Brisbane had been clinging to a 22-20 lead after Matt Gillett, who was pitched into the centres to replace Justin Hodges (ankle ligament) who was ruled out just before kick-off.
The lead changed hands several times with Manly stetting a hot tempo with some early shifts which opened up the clash.
The attack of both sides kept the 40,000 Suncorp Stadium crowd entertained until Williams delivered the last-minute knockout blow.
Gillett, a former Bribie Island bricklayer, built an almost irresistible case to be handed his eagerly awaited representative debut for Queensland with his two-try effort.
He and Corey Parker, who made 157 metres and pulled off 35 tackles, were outstanding for Brisbane.
Unfortunately Parker had one of his rare off nights with the boot, missing all four of his conversion attempts before being replaced by Corey Norman who kicked the Broncos’ only goal of the match.
Brisbane outscored Manly five tries to four with the difference being Jamie Lyon’s three from four conversions.
Lyon was instrumental in Manly leaving the field 14-12 up at halftime after slipping a superb behind-the-back pass to Matai, who scored in the 37th minute.
Manly’s Anthony Watmough was forced from the field late in the game with what looked a shoulder or arm injury after being smashed in a tackle by Brisbane’s Alex Glenn.
Manly hooker Matt Ballin was a pillar in defence, churning through 57 tackles.
His opposite number Andrew McCullough was almost as busy with 44 tackles on top of his 61 against the Warriors in Auckland last weekend.
Manly’s narrow victory continued their impressive recent streak of wins at Suncorp Stadium where they’ve won their past four games.
“We were a bit lucky and with that last play in the end, we got away with it,” said Manly coach Geoff Toovey after walking into the post-match press conference and jokingly declaring “it was never in doubt”.
“They had their nose in front after we turned over too much possession but fortunately for us they missed a few goals and we were able to get them in the end.”
Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin didn’t try to make any excuses for the club’s second loss in a row, declaring his men had to learn how to defend against the better sides in the competition.
“Everyone was blowing wind up our backside a couple of weeks ago when we were on a six-game run,” said Griffin after defensive lapses just before halftime and again at the death cost Brisbane dearly.
“The quality of the opposition has gone up in the last couple of weeks but the quality in the performance required to beat that opposition hasn’t been met by us defensively.
“We just aren’t good enough yet. We’ve got to stare that in the face and work harder and learn from it.”
Queensland's Game is Rugby League
Guest
Broncos fans are very arrogant. They always mock the Cowboys and Titans supporters. It was so good to be in the stands to see the Cowboys beat them on their own turf in 2006, 2011 and 2012. It shut most of them up.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
41,000 for game 1 - and 15,000 for game 2. Why bother with a double header when Broncos fans spit the dummy and depart, leaving a large stadium looking empty for both the Titans and Dogs - poor form if you ask me from what I constantly hear of as Rugby Leagues greatest supporters ? Your work next morning and family scenario doesn't wash with me - The Titans and Bulldogs fans were in the same boat - they work - they have families. Maybe they need to have the non-Bronco game on first next time, or alternatively play their double headers on a Saturday night to make sure people stay for the 3 hours of action. Again - I'm very disappointed at Brisbane's fans for not sticking around to give their neighbors some support. Sore losers is what they looked like. For their act of treachery, Karma will reward NSW with this years Origin series.
dlang30
Roar Pro
Dean. I find such a comment very crude when Suncorp is always attracting big crowds to games. 41 000 attended across the two matches last night and it's understandable fans of the first two teams would depart after the first match. Especially those with families and people who had to work the next morning.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
MIA like half of the crowd for the second game. I thought you QLD'ers loved your footy ! I think the majority of Broncos fans made a Cartman exit - "Screw you guys.......I'm going home."
Andy
Guest
MIA just like the broncos kicker.
Sea Eagle of Brisbane
Guest
Oikee, where are ya?
KSI
Guest
I find Brisbane have the slowest play the ball no matter who they are playing. I also think that they concede the ruck to easily in defense. They don't control it to well and usually the other team has quicker play the ball.
KSI
Guest
The difference on the night was Parker not being able to kick and Gillett being found out in defensive positional play in the centres. I believe if Hodges played last night Broncos win. Was a great game and as much as I hate them Manly did well to fight back.
B.A Sports
Guest
Great game. Very entertaining. We have listened over the last month or so about the game getting boring and it is because of the wrestle. - Well The Broncos play the ball last night was so slow it was painful at times as a result of defenders working players on the ground, yet they were still able to play an attractive brand of football.
Remy
Guest
Terrific match, a real seesawing battle, I thought Brisbane were the better side although Manly always looked dangerous when they were in Brisbane's half, if their try conversions had only gone over the Broncs would have won. There was a sense of dejavu when Manly scored in the last minute as the same thing happened to the Broncos when they played the Cowboys some weeks back. Andy I agree with you, I think Brisbane will most likely lose 3 on the trot with their next game being against Melbourne in Melbourne in a couple of weeks time, should be a beauty though.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Three Broncs tries through kicks - Manly were head and shoulders above Brisbane in being able to split the defensive line.
Andy
Guest
The bronco's played very well, they lead most of the stats except the one's that matter on the score board. Lastly, the broncos could be looking towards losing three on the trot.
Midfielder
Guest
Okiee To the tune of the village people “”You can’t stop the Music”"”‘ The Broncos can’t stop Manly… see along