The Parramatta Eels have put the Brisbane Broncos to slaughter in the final match of the first week of the NRL Finals, scoring 58 points in a record-breaking finals victory.
The 58 to nothing beatdown for the Eels is the biggest victory in the history of first-grade finals in Australian rugby league, as the Eels started the game on fire and never looked back against a Brisbane side who simply had no answers, and eventually shut down in the second half.
The Eels opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Michael Jennings, and right away, the signs for the Broncos were sinister. They were in the contest during the opening minutes, but then struggled to get their hands on the footy, forgot how to defend, and when they did get a rare opportunity to attack, failed to do anything of substance.
In truth, Brisbane were lucky Mitchell Moses forgot to bring his kicking boots, and while they were still in the game at halftime, the 24-0 scoreline had them hanging on by their fingertips, with Moses’ four missed goals just about the only positive they could take into the sheds.
The Broncos came out to fight in the second half, playing well for the first couple of minutes, but more errors, followed by more poor defence and sloppy discipline, put them further onto the back foot.
Maika Sivo crossed for his second try to get the second half going in the 48th minute, and when Daniel Alvaro scored just four minutes later, the game was over.
Brisbane managed to hold Parramatta at bay until the final ten minutes and keep the score below 40, but that was where it all went pear-shaped, as Tepai Moeroa, Mitchell Moses, Dylan Brown and Daniel Alvaro all scored tries in the final ten minutes to blow the game right out and make the scoreboard look like what the contest felt like.
By the time it was all said and done, Parramatta had 62 per cent of the ball with just eight errors, while the Broncos missed 41 tackles in the one-sided finals contest.
The Eels now move on to play minor premiers the Melbourne Storm in next week’s semi-final, with the winner of that match staying alive for a preliminary final in Sydney agaist the Sydney Roosters.
Parramatta Eels 58
Brisbane Broncos 0
More to come.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Why only them??? Most experts and learned pundits expected Penrith and Dragons to be in top 4, as well as those that made the 8 being capable.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Exactly, hence a close and interesting competition. If you only had 4 top 4 rosters, it would be clear cut and less close/competitive games. What you have is a comp with 10 rosters good enough to be in top 4.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I only ever considered the Storm, Chooks, Raiders & Souths for most of the year to have a top 4 roster . Who else do you think had a "top 4 roster" ?
KenoathCarnt
Roar Rookie
Not saying Deardan has to world class just looks like he can play a solid consistent support role next to a more high profile playmaker.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
By that logic, no point in playing the game. You don't know your level until the end? I think you need to consider the meaning of a 'top 4' roster.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! A parting gift by the Super Coach leaving the Broncos roster in a "spineless" shambles.
Albo
Roar Rookie
He's still working for uncle Benny .
Albo
Roar Rookie
No top 4 rosters even missed the top 4 this year. There were only 4 of them. A number of other overrated Clubs incorrectly forecast missed the 8 last week.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Strewth ! It looks like young Dearden will have some pressure on himself next year ? Good luck turning around the fortunes of that lot .
KenW
Guest
The problem with the NRL is that there are too many Top 4 rosters and not enough Top 4 places on the ladder.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Then I'm gonna need a bigger bucket! Seibold has already filled every bucket in QLD! :laughing:
Rellum
Roar Guru
I am looking forward to a Broncs v Dolphins opening round in a few years.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Well Melbourne might win and you will get to see Smithy hold up the trophy once again.
rl
Guest
This. credit to Bennett for an amazing career, but Seibs should take heed of the complete carnage left at each of the clubs that Bennett has departed of late.
RedcliffeFan
Roar Rookie
Great to see the Broncos crash and burn - and burn they did. Wow! An arrogant club that has every advantage in the world - a big city all to itself, huge corporate support, a fantastic stadium, big crowds. Any yet the Broncos turn in 58-0. And it could have been close to 70 had Moses not missed five kicks. What a hoot. Can't remember enjoying a match so much. Thank you Broncos.
Soda
Roar Rookie
Yeah Darius saying he wants to stay on is almost like he is doing it in spite of everyone, including himself.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Some teams with top 4 rosters didn't make the 8. The coach puts the finishing touch on the roster, and Brisbane are top 4. The measure of their forwards is that their entire pack - with the exclusion of hooker - would find a place in any team in the NRL and there a few clubs that would take the hooker too. In fact, if you bought their pack you'd likely be replacing up to 3 of your own guys immediately. In the backs Milford a danger and have a place in any club, 2 origin level backs and Staggs would make it as a centre in most clubs.
Bunney
Roar Rookie
It WAS a really hard game to watch. And our captain's continual lack of effort is a massive problem, especially with him always stating that he wants to play on.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Warren Ryan once said that aging stars aren't the best judges of their own performance and Boyd is a prime example. He says he'll be better next year with a pre season under his belt in a new position. He didn't look too flash in his old position at fullback and unfortunately a former great player needs a tap on the shoulder.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Lodge is averaging 157 metres per game. He is not everyone 's cup of tea after what he did off the field, but he goes ok. Other forwards like Gillett, Glenn, Ofahengaue, TPJ, have all played rep footy.