The Brisbane Broncos secured an impressive 41-10 victory against the Canterbury Bulldogs on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The loss means that the Bulldogs have now dropped their past four straight games, while the win for the Broncos keeps their dream of finals footy in 2014 alive.
The match was not without controversy, with Josh Reynolds finding himself in hot water for two separate incidents – a kick and a trip.
FINAL SCORE:
Broncos 41
Bulldogs 10
The Brisbane Broncos host the Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium to open up Round 22 of the NRL. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:40pm (AEST).
The Bulldogs enter Round 22 in 5th spot on the NRL ladder, a position they find themselves after a string of disappointing recent results.
Three losses on the trot has thrown the former ladder-leaders top four hopes into disarray – they will be desperate to secure the points against Brisbane and get their finals plans back on track tonight.
The Broncos have also been through a tough stretch as of late. They have dropped four of their last five and will risk dropping out of the finals race altogether if they can not conjure something at home against the Bulldogs.
With their team rocked by the recent announcement of Wayne Bennett returning to the helm, and Ben Barba in the headlines both battling for his place in Bennett’s future plans and at the centre of a salary cap scandal, it is needless to say that the Broncos have plenty on their plate that has the potential to distract for the task at hand.
In addition, this match will be the second time Barba lines up against his old club. Last time the two sides met came in the opening round of the season, a match the Broncos won 18-12 at ANZ Stadium.
Barba’s ability to hold down his position will be on display tonight, as well as his ability to push all distractions from his mind. A Barba on-song could prove a match winner, but conversely, off his game, he could prove costly.
Jack Reed enters the Broncos side for this match to replace the injured Justin Hodges.
For the Bulldogs, Josh Morris is set to start in the centres, while Mitch Brown returns to the wing.
Both sides have plenty to play for tonight: the Bulldogs need to consolidate a strong first half to the season and set themselves up well for the finals; the Broncos need to keep in the race to play finals – both will be highly motivated.
A lack of current form is casting a black cloud over Brisbane and Canterbury, but this will be rectified for one side tonight.
Join The Roar for live scores from 7:40pm (AEST).
If you are following the action live, be sure to share your thoughts on the match in the comments below.
Scrubbit
Guest
I don't think so. Dogs are still playing with a (to put it mildly) bland back line, and last night I'd say the gameplan was working very well in the second half when they looked like they might run over Brisbane, until someone started kicking people...
Victoria Liu-Pearson
Roar Guru
Well, that was a spanking!!
JJ
Guest
I struggle to recall any player who is as much of a grub as Reynolds (still cannot believe that tackle in origin). One thing is for certain, he has some serious karma coming his way at some point.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Agree completely!! Totally worth the trip in
Kris
Guest
How Reynolds was not sent off for the trip disgusts me. He could have broken Barba's leg. He was after Barba all night and got outplayed by him something major. Made me laugh so hard! And what about him kicking the chair in the dressing room?! He's just a jumped up little shit with short man syndrome, and I hate his haircut too. An absolute grub of the highest order.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Tolman goes off, Bulldogs defence goes to the.. well.. dogs.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Plenty of issues I have with the game will continue to remain but watching the Broncos give it to the dogs was a delight. Glad I went!
Doug Graves
Guest
Dogs have conceded 63 points for 10 scored in the last fortnight not to mention they got pantsed by the Tigers a few weeks ago, anybody else think Haslers job is under pressure yet?
Clark
Guest
Don't need muppets like him in rugby league, really has to sort out his little man syndrome
Rellum
Roar Guru
I do not know. I don't remember that being the case. Sin bin can be used for a professional foul(should be) which is in no way violent so I can't imagine a sin bin means you go straight to the judiciary.
MJB
Guest
Wow, that was an unfortunate dummy spit from Reynolds... is the Dogs' season over?
Steve
Guest
Being sin binned = automatically to the judiciary does it not? They don't have to put it on report.
charlie forova
Guest
Reynolds one dirty player Shouldn't be a kangaroos rep too Put him off this season
charlie forova
Guest
Congregation broncs for the win With you all the way
Rellum
Roar Guru
Head high was not on report so nothing there. THe first incedent should be 4-6 for me, deliberate attack to a players head. Kicking has always been a big no-no so that should be 6weeks. But I agree, he will get 3-4 total.
Steve
Guest
Add to that a week for kicking an innocent chair: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bug43K4CIAAQVrX.jpg:large Kick a player in the face - 4 weeks Tripping - 2-3 weeks Deliberate head high after spitting the dummy - 2-3 weeks If they add them up individually he is in big trouble. No doubt they'll go soft and only give him 3 weeks or so total.
don
Guest
The reffing this year has really gone to the dogs.
V.O.R.
Guest
If the offences add up he probably will. Dogs season is dust. After being sat out for 3 weeks you would think he might of been more thoughtful of his mates premiership aspirations but clearly not.
uPelican
Guest
Well I for one did not expect that result tonight
Rellum
Roar Guru
Great win by the boys. Reynolds should miss the rest of the season.