After the last couple of weeks of Wests Tigers games, it was a breath of fresh air to watch tonight’s match between the Broncos and the Roosters.
Here were two teams that were evenly matched – at least for the first half – and who played with utter conviction and dedication for the full eighty minutes. Moving from the one end to the other with lightning speed, it has to be one of the most entertaining games so far this season, with eight line breaks in the first half alone and a dramatic turnaround in favour of the Broncos over the second stanza that saw them snatch a stunning 32-8 victory.
Of course, Brisbane had a lot to prove with this game. Over the last week, they’ve copped a fair amount of criticism for their attack, while two of their star players have had to wrestle with some unpleasant media attention.
On the one hand, all eyes have been on Anthony Milford since Benji Marshall’s comments about his training acumen, while Jordan Kahu has been trying to live down one of the biggest bungles so far this season.
To their credit, though, Milford and Kahu put in outstanding matches, definitively laying any concerns about their performance to rest and contributing in no small way to the Broncos victory.
In a game so full of dramatic moments it’s hard to know where to start or which turning points were the most significant. Indeed, both stanzas were exciting for different reasons, making for a perfectly escalating footy narrative.
Across the first half, Brisbane and Sydney were neck and neck, culminating in an extraordinary countdown to the halftime siren, in which the Broncos scooped up the ball on the last Roosters tackle and ran the length of the field, only for a great tackle from Mitchell Pearce to put an end to what would have been one of the greatest tries of the season.
At the same time, the second half was exciting for a different reason, as Brisbane steadily built a lead and the Roosters found themselves unable to match their opening form. As the camera continually cut to Trent Robinson’s frustrated face, the Chooks barely managed to reach the inside of their own twenty as set after set of Broncos attackers converged on the Roosters line.
At times, it felt as if we were watching the same plays over and over again, creating a sense of stalemate that was strangely exciting as it became clearer and clearer that Sydney had to do something spectacular to regain their earlier momentum.
Part of the drama came down to the continuous struggle between Blake Ferguson and Tautau Moga, who formed the key match-up of the night in terms of entertainment value. After Fergo managed to brush past Moga for the second Sydney try at the 2nd minute, the burly centre seemed determined to have the last word, spearheading the Brisbane push to tackle the Roosters’ left wing. Given that Shaun Kenny-Dowall was having a pretty off night, it was a good move, and by the end of the evening Moga probably managed to make his point.
As any Roosters fan will tell you, the rapport between Fergo and SKD is a drama in itself, and contributes in no small way to the suspense of the team. While Ferguson’s performance for the Four Nations signalled a new era of consistency and maturity for the wayward centre, SKD can run hot or cold without any apparent trigger.
Sometimes he’s hot, sometimes he’s not, and tonight he was definitely not. Given that Kahu was effectively playing as a second fullback, often outdoing even Darius Boyd under the high ball, it was embarrassing to see SKD bring in mistake after mistake, from a clumsy pass that nearly let in an easy Broncos try to his failure to retain the high ball and so pave the way for James Roberts’ try towards the end of the second half.
While the pace and momentum was ceaseless, two more moments epitomised the drama of the night as a whole. Most agonisingly for Brisbane fans, Ben Hunt almost brought in the third try for the Broncos, only for the referee to incorrectly disallow it on the basis of a supposed forward pass from Anthony Milford.
When Bunker footage definitively depicted Hunt as onside, it felt as if fate had temporarily turned against the unlucky halfback once again. Sure enough, he was taken from the field with a hamstring injury during the following Roosters set. Luckily, Brisbane didn’t seem to be a in a position to fully digest the Bunker footage, since it would have surely sapped their moment at this point in the night.
It felt only right, then, that Andrew McCullough brought in the single best Broncos moment of the entire evening shortly after Hunt departed the field. McCullough had already proven his attacking mettle with the first Brisbane try at the fifth minute, but a well-placed ankle tap brought down a Michael Gordon burst a mere ten metres from the line. As Gordon coughed up the Steeden it was intercepted by Brisbane who began yet another plummeting movement towards their own line, in one of the vertiginous changes in direction that characterised the game as a whole.
For all that these moments defined the game, it was a match of small moments as well. In fact, so quickly did the ball change hands that it was sometimes hard to pinpoint just how the energy and excitement had changed. As mentioned, Roberts was brilliant, bringing down the fourth Broncos try after Josh McGuire brought SKD to the ground under the high ball. Yet it was Milford who really set up the four-pointer, inserting himself as first receiver the moment SKD started to hit the deck.
Time and again, Milf demonstrated his impeccable sense of timing, playing a role in virtually every point even if he didn’t bring home a single try himself.
The big Brisbane men had a good night of it as well, with two tries brought in off the interchange. Sam Thaiday scored his second four-pointer in as many weeks, while Korbin Sims put in a classic twist-and-touch at the fifty minutes, spinning out of a mass of Roosters defenders to plant the Steeden over the line.
And let’s not forget David Mead, who saved Brisbane from a goal-line drop-out right on the line at the eleventh minute, as well as putting down his first try in Brisbane colours four minutes before the end of the game. As the prime collateral damage of Jarryd Hayne’s move to the Titans, I’ve been hoping to see Mead really thrive at Brisbane, and tonight was evidence of him regaining the form he was showing in Gold Coast colours.
On the Roosters side, the most promising part of the evening was the growing rapport between Mitchell Pearce and Luke Keary in the halves. Keary, in particular, is a wonder, especially in defence. At the hour mark, he managed to get between Roberts and Milford, outspeeding Jimmy the Jet to ground and hold onto Milf’s grubber, saving what initially looked like a certain Brisbane try.
At the same time, it was the pass from Pearce to Keary that set Ferguson up for his four-pointer, testament to the intensive passing game that sets these two apart from most other halves pairs in the competition. I always wrote Keary off as a bit of a second-rate partner to Reynolds, but if his form at the Chooks suggests anything, it’s that he really wasn’t syncing at the Bunnies and genuinely needed a change of scene to achieve his potential.
And that brings me back to James Tedesco. At first, the rumours about Teddy joining the Roosters made me a bit hesitant to watch tonight’s game. With Moses apparently moving to Parramatta, the thought of Tedesco in Sydney colours just feels too raw. However, watching the conviction of the team in defeat was so different from watching the disarray of the Tigers in defeat that I found myself wondering whether the game really owes it to their best fullback to find him a proper new home, especially since the move seems to have been so beneficial for Keary.
Certainly, Michael Gordon isn’t thriving at fullback, despite a few good plays earlier in the season, and could easily be shifted to another position. Only time will tell, I suppose, but for now couldn’t the Tigers have a shot at losing as gracefully and grittily as the Chooks did last night?
Kilgore Trout
Roar Rookie
Wyong RSL has a Chinese Restaurant . I wonder how SKD goes with chopsticks and a plate of dumplings ?
uglykiwi
Roar Pro
No lattes in Wyong!!! I wonder if Ken's Pie shop is still there? SKD stop in there and get yourself a mexican pie!! Maybe it will increase your running metres!
Big Daddy
Guest
I hope SKD has GPS in his car. He will need it to find his way to wyong.
Nat
Roar Guru
Agreed. Mitchell was walking and never bothered to chase when his opposite blew past him to score the winner last week. Looks like they've bulked him right up from last year and now needs open space to get going. He's lost that first quick step.
DJ01
Guest
Moga was very suspect in defense last night, he got turned around a couple of times and let in a couple of soft tries. I can't see Wayne sticking with him after Mead played out of his skin last night, his involvement was huge for a winger, I was very impressed by him. I'm encouraged with what I saw last night from Brisbane, but can they keep it up, remains to be seen. Wheels tend to fall off come origin time.
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
As they say always bet responsibly if you think the top 5 will be Knights, Titans, Bulldogs, Tigers and Parra :-)
The Barry
Roar Guru
I've seen a few people respond. Firstly its extremely uncommon for one seasons top five to be the top five the following year. Even aside from that I haven't seen enough yet from the Broncos or the Raiders to suggest they're locks for a top five spot. I don't think you're necessarily wrong. The top five may well work out that way - after all you've picked five of the top six or seven most favoured sides and the exact top five from last year. It's not exactly an out on a limb prediction. But there's a lot of footy to be played and a lot that can happen in the mean time. But overall it's just a little bit pointless and a bit difficult to have a meaningful debate. You say "I think Sharks, Cowboys, Raiders, Broncos, Storm will make the top five, no one else has a chance". I say "No way! I reckon the Knights, Titans, Bulldogs, Tigers and Parra will be top five." Beauty. See you in six months.
Albo
Guest
Should be in good hands with Kris Lees !
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
trying stimulate debate so I gather since no one has questioned it or come up with reasons why it wont happen as I predict they deep down they know I am correct
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Roosters seem to really focus attacking on the right side- this thing about playing two halves together needs to be looked at - play one on each side or attack on both sides - they seem to have only two left side attacking options -the Cordner angle run which every team is awake too or the hail mary kick for Toupu. What worked years ago is not working now as all teams know what they are doing
The Barry
Roar Guru
You hate to harp on it? You've mentioned very little else in the past week...hate to see if you were trying to make a point.
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Your Coach should put Manu/Rogers younger brother Johnny in the team next week - the young bloke from the nines too Lewis I think his name? - Drop SKD/Ferguson/Toupu/Guerra/Mitchell- Carter is a better option than the ballerina Guerra has become these past few years(memo QLD don't pick him for SOO) and at least shows some mongrel when they played Souths- all 4 off contract(SKD/Fergo/Toupu/Guerra) should be told to look elsewhere they may then have a go then and stop the errors they make and get involved if they want someone else to sign them. Aubusson or Matterson can play centre Ferguson is the modern day Olsen Filipaina- SKD making more errors than ever and cannot be retained in First Grade any longer / Toupu looked okay the games I seen earlier on tv but back to old lazy self again /Guerra I have already commented on/Mitchell caught Toupu lazy disease - how many times is he going to go for an intercept or stick his arm out to give the other team 6 again late in the count - just make the tackle and go looking for the ball as well and get involved!!!! I thought the Roosters would do alright this year but not not make the 8 finish and finish 10th - 12th place more likely. Don't think your Uncle Nick is going to put up with another year like 2016 and let the season drag on so your Coach should be on notice too. A third straight loss to Newcastle could see another Coach bite the dust
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Manu would be a chance of a run next week- what happened to Rogers younger brother Johnny and the young bloke in the 9's on the wing Lewis I think- need to sign these three up long term give Toupu/SKD and Ferguson off contract the flick - if Tedesco signs - their backline would be - Tedesco/Lewis/Mitchell/Manu/JTS - need to a goal kicker though - Gordan is kicking really poor is he injured ? - need to sign up some better forwards with mongrel way too soft their forwards - give Guerra the flick for starters
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
The top 5 or big 5 (Storm/Bronco's/Sharks/Cows/Raiders) - 2 of these teams will be in the GF and one the Premiers - the already noticeable gap between the top 5 and the rest will only widen as the season continues. This could be a long season for many fans of the other 11 teams with only 3 places available in the 8 (6/7/8)- one can discount - Knights/Wests Tigers/Gold Coast/Souths/Roosters from figuring in the 6 to 8 spots this year already - leaving the battle between 6 teams(Penrith/Parramatta/Warriors/Dogs/Dragons/Manly) for these last 3 spots for the fans of these teams to maintain their interest for the season - my prediction is Penrith 6 /Parramatta 7 and Warriors 8
Lidcombe Oval
Guest
Was that game you described on FOX?? - the one I watched on Channel 9 was rather different - Roosters didn't look like they wanted to be there and apart from 2 tries in 4 minutes they were at the Bronco's mercy all night - if Bronco's were at or near their best it could have been a 50/60 plus loss- Roosters have gone from the penthouse to feather dusters in 2 weeks and my ranking of them finishing 10th seems a tad high- Too many players living on past efforts- a few need to shake hands with the reserve grade coach too ASAP - Team ranking Bronco's 6 / Roosters 2. Hate to harp on it but the Top 5 (Storm/Bronco's/Sharks/Cows/Raiders) can virtually book their final places now only 5 and a bit rounds in as the gap between them and the rest will only widen as the season continues- out of the remaining 11 battling for the final 3 spots in the 8 - Penrith would be number 6(if players don't go breaking the rules) / Parramatta 7 and dare say I -Warriors 8- then Dogs 9 - Dragons 10/Manly 11/ Roosters 12(down from 10th)/Souths 13/ Gold coast 14/Wests Tigers 15/Newcastle 16.
Jara W
Guest
One of my favourite traits of McCulloughs is his reluctance to waste a tackle on the try line. If he goes for it something is happening. He's gotta to have a pretty good dart to try ratio. Compare that to a player like Michael Ennis (no offense to mike, love him) who always seemed to fancy his chances close to the line. Right up the other end of the scale is when a non hooker like a Sam Thaiday or Alex Glenn is in there. Simply another notch on the tackle count. But what about his kick for touch from the 10m line when the roosters were on the ropes. Yeah the sep up was all over the place, but that was pretty ordinary.
Albo
Guest
Yep ! Gotta agree ! The Broncs have had a tough opening 6 weeks with tough matches early. Bennett would be reasonably happy I would think at 3-3 with even the losses close ones and pretty good performances. Agree too regarding Opacic, who is good one ! Only issue for them right now is how they cope without Hunt , particularly defensively !
Kilgore Trout
Roar Rookie
Last night was a great example of the inequalities ( or luck ) of the draw and how it is pretty difficult to gauge form until about 8 rounds in . Broncos have been playing pretty well , they have just come up against a lot of strong sides in the opening month . On Moga , they have Opacic coming back from injury too and he looked to be strong in defence last year . Hunts injury gives the coach a few weeks to have a serious look at Nikorima for next year .
Nambawan
Guest
"Classical" centre three quarter play has all but disappeared in the so called modern game. The rot set in when set plays were started 20m in resulting in so called left and right play makers. Also no scrums further resulted in stifling stand up defence patterns. Consequently traditional inside and outside centre combinations have vanished into history. Vale the likes of Harry Wells and Reg Gasnier, Meninga/Miles and many others In my opinion the NRL in making rules changes with no consideration for 'unintended consequences', has much to answer for.
kk
Roar Pro
Hi Albo, Tupou, Mitchell and SKD have not recovered from the Manly game and it may be some time before Coach Robinson can turn it around. There were several beautiful fillies in the catalogue but 195 was the one standout I will follow in her career.