A head knock forced Brisbane’s Queensland winger Corey Oates off the field but Wayne Bennett might be nursing the biggest headache after the Broncos’ record 48-6 NRL loss to Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium.
Only days out from Queensland’s State of Origin III team being named, Oates lasted barely 20 minutes of on Friday night’s Storm try-scoring blitz which included a Suliasi Vunivalu hat-trick.
Centre Cheyse Blair bagged a double as Melbourne inflicted Brisbane’s biggest home loss in front of 44,519 fans.
Oates came off second best with try-bound centre Ryan Morgan in the 18th minute and was soon escorted from the field in a concern for Queensland selectors.
They name their Origin III team on Monday.
However, Bennett might have the biggest worry with an injury-hit Brisbane suffering their sixth loss in eight games.
Oates joined a Broncos injury list that already boasted Jordan Kahu, Jack Reed, Greg Eden and Tom Opacic.
Then there is their defence.
Brisbane have conceded 88 points in their past two games.
Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk inspired the Storm’s 10th win from 11 games in Brisbane, setting up five of their eight tries.
Fijian flyer Vunivalu took his league-leading try tally to 16 from just 10 games.
Melbourne have won 10 of their past 11 games against Brisbane including six straight at Suncorp.
Somehow it could have been worse for Brisbane.
Damaging fullback Cameron Munster failed to overcome an ankle complaint but Blake Green returned to pivot after missing three weeks with a calf injury.
Melbourne led 30-6 at halftime albeit after a slice of luck.
Replays showed Vunivalu appeared offside and impeded Kori Nikorima before pouncing on a Cronk kick in the 22nd minute.
Five minutes later, officials missed Marika Koroibete’s foot on the sideline in the build-up to Cheyse Blair’s try.
PNG Broncos fan88
Guest
Yeah so worried that the tired and uninspiring Rabbitohs of 2016 might take our spot in the eight.
steveng
Roar Rookie
That was not a 'foot on the line' the touch judge' was right there and was televised with such concentration! lol But the Broncs (again) got all the decisions go their way especially the penalties and still got thrashed, what an embarrassment!
steveng
Roar Rookie
The Broncs looked tired and the Storm taught them a 'masterclass lesson' on footy. If the Broncs continue this way, then they won't even make the 8. Very tired uninspiring performance by the Broncs and Wayne has allot to worry about.
Pomski
Guest
Johns was getting a hard on every time Vunivali touched the ball
Mike from tari
Guest
Blaine, it's about time another team got a few favours from the refs & touchies against the Broncos at Lang Park, in fact that's the only favours the storm got, the Broncos still got 8 penalties to 4 so based on all the stats & the score you wouldn't belittle the Storm a little offside & foot on the line.
Emcie
Roar Guru
Must have missed it between Andrew "Man Crush" Johns gushing about every player that touched the ball
Pomski
Guest
Loved listening to the saddness and shock of the commentary team when Chayse Blair went over to score his second try. Listen and you'll hear.
Jeff
Guest
Replays showed Vunivalu appeared offside and impeded Kori Nikorima before pouncing on a Cronk kick in the 22nd minute? Really? You must have watched different replays to the ones I saw. If it had been ruled no try by the on-field ref it would have been a tough decision but as was, very predictable and proper. And as far as Koroibete’s foot on the sideline, ditto for the last point. One couldn't possibly be sure on that camera angle though I admit, it was more likely a mistake from the officials than the previously mentioned try.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I believe both the Sharks and Cowboys have more improvement left in them than the storm do. Right now though, the storm are playing the best football in the competition and deserve premiership favoritism.
Brian S
Guest
I think Melbourne Storm have peeked!! it's all down hill from here they need to be @ 100/1 odds;):)!
Brett
Guest
Last year was a great season. The start of this season some Milford Magic masked the Broncos' weaknesses. We have some work to do, but it's far from over.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Brisbane look cooked to me and maybe last year they over achieved. True it's only half way.
PNG Broncos fan88
Roar Guru
Not phased at all, more apprehensive when we had the favourites tag earlier in the year. Great games by the Storm and Bulldogs to put things into perspective for the run home. The Melbourne cup is not won at the 1600 mark, the finish line is where it matters.