The Brisbane Broncos are without their Origin stars and may once again struggle to secure a much needed win against top four aspirants the Cronulla Sharks tonight. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.45pm AEST.
Brisbane went down 32-nil to Melbourne last week and will be wondering how they failed to register a single point against the reigning premiers given the amount of chances they had at their disposal.
A combination of great defence from the Storm and poor handling and execution from the Broncos saw Brisbane butcher as many as six genuine try scoring opportunities last week.
With Brisbane’s back firmly against the wall, they must find a way to bounce back against the Sharks at home.
While the Broncos are missing the likes of Sam Thaiday, Justin Hodges, Corey Parker and Matt Gillett to Origin duty, they should still fancy their chances of upsetting Cronulla tonight.
The Sharks are without Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis and Andrew Fifita who have all been picked to play for NSW.
Prediction
Fifita’s absence will hurt Cronulla upfront. The former Tigers forward tormented his old club last week, scoring two tries, including a wonderful solo effort that saw him run 50 metres to score.
With Todd Carney still in the side however, the Sharks still possess the necessary class in attack to win tonight.
For the Broncos to earn the two competition points, Peter Wallace, Corey Norman, Scott Prince and Josh Hoffman will all have to fire for the home side.
If the preceding players do play well, this contest could very well go down to the wire, given that both teams are desperate for victory for vastly different reasons.
A victory for Cronulla will see them well in the running to secure a vital top four birth while a win for Brisbane will keep their faint finals hopes alive.
With a top four spot well within reach however, the Sharks should be favoured to play with the intensity required to secure the competition points.
Sharks by eight.
The eye
Guest
So.the first Qld cab off to mad Monday,Cowboys next..going to ba a quiet old September-October in Queeeeeensland.
Bring back the Bears
Guest
Thank God for cricket. A good alternative to watching the modern brand of rugby league
Renegade
Guest
I wouldn't say they were the better side... It was a very even contest, both sides were brilliant which is really amazing considering how many players were out for each side. I feel for them though, they couldn't have done anymore in that game...mcguire in particular was outstanding for the broncos. The sharks defence on their own line was incredible, great game!
Renegade
Guest
One of if not the, best game of footy I've seen this year! WOW! Both sides left everything they had on the field, empty tanks all round - seriously who needs origin after a game like that!!
V.O.R.
Guest
NSW have no-one that comes close to Carney when he is on song. He looks like one of the greats when he slices defense. Should of got his chance to back up for this years series, especially since that privilege was given to Pearce.
Alan
Roar Guru
The Sharks have hung on against a fast finishing Brisbane here to record a one point victory. The Sharks are back inside the top four but will be disappointed to have let Brisbane score those two very late tries. They had the game comfortably in their keeping but the Broncos never gave up and nearly pulled the result out of the fire. Great effort from Brisbane without their stars but a top eight spot looks all but gone in season 2013. Thanks for your company today and join us next time for more NRL action on The Roar Broncos 18 Sharks 19
Matt
Guest
FFS, another game the broncos were the better team and come up empty.
Alan
Roar Guru
Well what a great fightback from Brisbane. Sharks had this wrapped up. Now a very nervous last few seconds here! Prince with a kick and finds Maranta. Brisbane still alive here! Hunt with a kick and Brisbane still alive! Ball goes loose and the Sharks hold on in a fantastic game of footy! Sharks hold on! FULLTIME Broncos 18 Sharks 19
Matt
Guest
Game over. You take 40 seconds for a kick off no? So that's all she wrote.
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Prince converts from outwide Broncos 18 Sharks 19
Alan
Roar Guru
Just under 26,000 have attended tonight. Good crowd. Oats has been good for Brisbane tonight. Very young star to look out for. TRY BRONCOS - Brisbane have produce something spectacular here. Time running out. Broncos score out wide! Broncos 16 Sharks 19
Renegade
Guest
How loud have the sharks fans been tonight? You'd almost think there were more of them there tonight than broncos supporters!!
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Prince converts Broncos 12 Sharks 19
Matt
Guest
Ah :) he's a bit hot and cold, not that anyone from NSW has been consistent.
Alan
Roar Guru
TRY BRONCOS - Well that is surely the matchwinning play from Carney. Oats however breaks through and scores for Brisbane! Broncos 10 Sharks 19
Alan
Roar Guru
FIELD GOAL SHARKS - Sharks gather the short kickoff and are back on the attack. Brisbane once again look likely to succumb to another home defeat this season. Carney with a field goal attempt and he scores! Broncos 6 Sharks 19
Renegade
Guest
Sorry mate, I was referring more towards why he isn't playing in origin....not just that try, my bad.
Alan
Roar Guru
CONVERSION SUCCESSFUL - Carney converts Broncos 6 Sharks 18 Norman was under no pressure there and fumbled Carney's bomb cold. Great bomb from Carney and that could be the match winner for the Sharks.
Matt
Guest
When is Norman leaving, honestly. Lockyer replacement my ***.
Matt
Guest
Ah yeah it was. Ran straight past the markers, Hoffman hung out on his man and last ditched dove.