Brisbane have spoiled Paul Gallen’s 300th-game celebrations, crushing defending premiers Cronulla 32-10 in their NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium.
Centre Tautau Moga bagged a double on Friday night as the Broncos strengthened their top-four position in Wayne Bennett’s 600th game as Broncos coach.
But there was no champagne popping for Gallen, who was booed every time he touched the ball by the 34,552-strong crowd.
The Sharks’ title defence officially looks shaky after they failed to lift for Gallen, whose 300th game as a one-club player puts him behind only Cronulla legend Andrew Ettingshausen (328).
The visitors had been desperate to get their top-four campaign back on track after last round’s loss to Canberra.
But nothing could inspire a flat Sharks who could slip as far as sixth on the ladder after their second-straight defeat.
“It’s disappointing. We wanted to get the job done with a win tonight for Gal,” Sharks coach Shane Flanagan said.
It snapped Cronulla’s three-game winning run at Suncorp Stadium, marking the Broncos’ first victory over the Sharks since 2011 in Brisbane.
“We were own worst enemies – too many errors, too many penalties,” Flanagan said.
“I don’t think we are lacking drive. We are just making too many errors.”
Brisbane are on track for a premiership tilt after winning six of their past eight games plus nine of 11 home matches this year.
“I am not thinking about winning the competition right now,” Bennett said.
“I just want to get through the next three weeks (of regular season) in good shape. If we can’t, it usually ends in tears.
“The next three weeks will tell.”
Gallen has lost his 100th, 200th and 300th career games.
“This week, we made it as low key as we could,” he said of his milestone.
“It’s all about the team at the end of the day and we didn’t perform well tonight.
“We are all hurting, not just me. But it’s not all doom and gloom – we have time to turn it around.”
Sharks playmaker James Maloney had a nightmare return from a broken hand, missing 10 tackles and making two errors.
Cronulla cut Brisbane’s lead to 14-6 by halftime after veteran Luke Lewis scored in the 39th minute.
Moga – who will link with Newcastle next year – iced the result when he steamrolled opponents to score in the 44th and 60th minutes.
Milestone man Bennett has won 20 of his past 25 games against Cronulla.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Let's not go there. As funny as it is let's not go there.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
It must've been because he's white !
jimmmie
Guest
Jimmie, Jimmie, Jimmie, what the hell were they thinking.
Gaz
Roar Rookie
Hey Sharks - time to turn the porch light back on.
Mike
Guest
It has been their achilles heel all year. Especially when the opposition is coming outside of their own end they give a penalty and they score in the next set leading up. Nothing shoots your confidence down more then that. If they can fix that one area that will make them a better team.
Big Daddy
Guest
Cronullas main problem is their discipline. When they get behind I'll discipline from fifita, graham and Gallen kicks in. Happened against raiders and again last night. Fifita must be walking fine line at moment. In relation to kahu sin bin - no problem but no consistency as sharks did same thing in first half. Sharks are relying on too much one off runs by Gallen and fifita. Good teams have worked this out and stifled their attack.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
The Broncs are shaping up nicely. But they cannot beat the Storm. Storm simply have the wood on them. If someone else takes out Melbourne, Brisbane are clear faves. But head-to-head, Cronulla, despite last night's result are a better chance
Nat
Roar Guru
They're looking sharp and fast the Broncos. After origin, every team should've taken note on how to limit Fifita. He ran for 55m, become frustrated, reverted back to being a thug and gave away penalties. Gallen wasn't booed every time he got the ball. He dropped it twice and that got a very loud cheer!
Nat
Roar Guru
Long way to go but that Q could pay for your tix to the big game Max. That makes a good bet a really good day. You get to walk around Sydney that weekend in your Broncos jumper being equally hated by everyone!
Albo
Guest
Their form has been all over the place in recent weeks with thrashings at the hands of Manly, Titans, Raiders & Broncos and the one big win over the Roosters and two very flattering wins over Souths & Warriors. I have given them no chance of making the top 4. although the Eels have given them a sniff again after their own awful performance against the Knights. They are going nowhere fast with Townsend & Maloney this year, and they are desperate to have their good dummy half back to get their pack rolling again. Their defence has disintegrated in recent weeks and needs plenty of work to solve the Maloney missed tackles & penalties conceded as every team targets this weakness.
kk
Roar Pro
Hi Renegade, I found that taking your top 3 fancies in a box quinella before season start represents good value. I had the Vikings as my other choice. Pity they got lost on the way to Homebush.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Hey MAX, You might be onto a good thing with that GF quinella and I know you placed it at the start so good one. I still can't believe the odds I got for the storm before kick-off when I'm looking at the $2.20 on offer now... ain't nobody stopping them but the Broncos will give this a good shake.
kk
Roar Pro
Thinking Aloud. Played like Premiers at Gosford and wooden spooners at Suncorp. Unbelievable! With Cowboys, Roosters and Knights to come, Flanagan needs to be Mandrake. The Sharks are no longer hungry. Too many Ushers, especially on their right side. Jimmy Maloney...I luv ya Jimmy, but let the hand heal. You do need two of 'em. Moga must be at the top of the referees quota 'Watch' list. Some penalties seem harsh. Got the GF Quinella ticket out from the bottom drawer. Storm v Broncos for a 'good day'
Swannies
Guest
Broncos look the only team capable of derailing the Storm juggernaut. Always tipped them as top four side and they'll go all the way in 2-3 years.
Paul Chapman
Guest
The Broncos certainly played well last night & they might just win their last 3 games at this rate. Egg on the faces of the experts who said they wouldn't make the 8 this year. Cronulla without Michael Ennis at 9 are nowhere near the team they were last year.