Brisbane will have to wait to find out if they are to be minor premiers for the first since in 23 years after losing 32-22 to Melbourne, opening the door for Penrith to secure top spot on Saturday afternoon.
It was clear that first position on the ladder was not a massive priority for the Broncos, who rested almost all their stars.
The Storm did too, but had enough NRL talent and second grade standouts – not to mention Ryan Papenhuyzen – to get the job done.
They made it comfortable late as the young Broncos tired, and kept their exceptional record intact in the process with a 14th successive win over Brisbane.
It’s possible that the streak goes on the line again next week: if the Warriors lose to the Dolphins at Suncorp on Saturday and the Panthers win at home to the Cowboys – with the minor premiership now on the line – then we see this again next weekend, just with full sides.
Despite the mass outs, Brisbane also managed to lose players Brendan Piakura was put on report three times and likely to get at least a week for one of his indiscretions, while Xavier Willison injured an ankle and will go for scans.
“It was there for us tonight, effort was great but not quite so smart on a few plays and we weren’t good enough,” said Kevin Walters.
“We’re in a really strong position with depth. While it’s bitterly disappointing tonight, if you look at the bigger picture we’re in a really good position to moving into the finals.
“We didn’t have a bad player out there, but in a couple of clutch moments we couldn’t quite get it right.”
In the end, this was a game not defined by Brisbane’s failure to capture the JJ Giltinan Shield for the first time since 2000, but rather by the performances of younger players. It was more of a Queensland Cup All Star game than an NRL minor premiership decider, but no worse for it.
As anyone who has watched reggies will know, that did mean it was a little defence-optional at times, but it’s unlikely that many of the 43,000 who showed up to see it complained about the footy on offer.
Tristan Sailor, whose father played the last time the Broncos finished first, was the star, proving that he can be more than Reece Walsh’s fill-in with some final touches and yardage work that the regular number 1 would be proud of.
His opposite number was the main draw, with Ryan Papenhuyzen starting an NRL game for the first time in over a year, though he was switched to halfback to allow Sua Fa’alogo to debut from the bench and steal the show.
The Victorian-raised fullback caught the eye in the pre-season and did so again, scoring one spectacular try and challenging tacklers every time he touched the ball.
Bellamy will be happy to have got through with minimal injuries, as well as a try and, more importantly, 80 minutes into Papenhuyzen. Everything else is window dressing.
“We’re still not sure what we’re thinking,” said the coach on Papenhuyzen.
“All we wanted to see tonight was how much time he got through. We took him off with five to go, so he could have got through 80 minutes if we’d have needed him.
“We used him in a few different roles – started at fullback, played in the halves and then the ruck for 10-15 minutes. We’re not sure how we’re going to use him, but we’re pretty sure that he’s going to be in the 17.
“He’s only played five rugby league games in 13 months so there’s still a bit of rust there and we’d probably prefer if he ran the ball tonight, but I’m not sure how long it’ll take for him to have that confidence.
“It was a horrific injury and to be out for that long, he’s going to be rusty. But we’re happy with the last couple of weeks.”
The return of Papenhuyzen last week was an emotional moment for the Storm club, but tonight was more about business.
In a team lacking experience, Papi’s job was to get himself fit and provide leadership to his side, as well as displaying his utility value to the coach ahead of future tests.
That test was passed. The plan going forward will surely be to start Papenhuyzen on the bench – it would be immeasurably cruel to ditch Nick Meaney at this stage – and provide flexibility.
Papi deputised well in the halves, opening up that as an option, and Meaney covers every position from 1-5, so any injury there would see the utility at fullback and the fullback elsewhere.
In possession, we saw exactly what Papenhuyzen can bring. His try was a trademark support play, anticipating a smart break from Tyran Wishart, but more impressive yet was his work to support Fa’alogo on a break, elude several defenders and then show the composure to return the ball to the youngster for a try.
If you cast your mind back to the period before his first injury in 2022, that was Papenhuyzen’s greatest asset: turning line breaks into points. It was what the Storm missed the most when he left too, with their efficiency going through the floor following their red hot start.
In a key finals game, when points are at a premium, it might be the difference.
This was a who’s who of second grade, with the two clubs having multiple feeders in the Q Cup. So who stood out?
Well, Sua Fa’alogo. His entry to the game kicked up the intensity and whenever in any space, he burned opponents.
The first half try showed his raw speed, but the second was perhaps even more impressive, with accelerating leaving Jesse Arthars, no slouch, looking like he was ankle deep in treacle.
Beyond him, there was proof that Justin Olam and Reimis Smith are way too good for second grade, and a debut for ex-Catalans Dragons youngster Joe Chan, son of Alex, who made his debut.
His mark on history will be as the first French-developed player to make the NRL since Remi Casty in 2014, and as the first father/son combo to ever represent the Storm, and his mark on the the game was a bonecruncher on Tom Flegler that marked the turning point of the game.
Sailor was the obvious choice for the Broncos. He’s worth 200m per game in reggies and topped that tonight with ease, and is second for line break assists too, with another three in the bag in the NRL.
Josh Rogers, on NRL debut, was masterful with the boot – again, unsurprisingly for anyone who watches Q Cup.
The Wynnum-Manly Seagull is top of the point scorers list and was the difference tonight from the tee, consistently edging his side ahead and keeping the Broncos in it with a series of penalty goals.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
I said that I liked Penrith’s chances at home against the Cowboys. After that first game against them in North Queensland . When both teams were missing players, yet the Cowboys had their first grade halves . You said that you looked forward to the game at Penrith. Just letting you know, that I didn’t forget it. :thumbup:
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Both teams were missing a lot of players, yet Brisbane were missing less. Brisbane had a 12 nil lead ( with all the ball early ) & by the end of the game were well beaten .
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
Not a bad call to give your back up players a run in the top grade heading into finals.
Panthers
Roar Rookie
Two years for Fa’alogo at the Storm. If he keeps improving on that game & loves the fullback position. I could see the almost currently unthinkable happening at the Storm. Fa’alogo at fullback & bye bye Papenhuyzen . It happened with Brandon Smith.
mushi
Roar Guru
It could be psychological, you hear that it takes players across all sports a few hit outs to trust their bodies
Joe
Roar Rookie
Honestly for a fullback learning his trade there is no better place to be than the Storm with Billy Slater doing backline coaching there. However he will need game time to iron out his weaknesses. As readiness goes I don't think he was as ready as Grant was when he went to Tigers.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I don't know if he'll be a better wing than Warbrick or Coates though. Definitely would be a better backup than Jennings who I think has to be thinking about retiring as he has probably has no knee ligaments left. Also I don't know whether he will be happy playing wing for more than 1 season as he should be getting fullback money.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think once it’s a penalty in that situation, the ref has to use the bin…
The Mexican
Roar Rookie
He's more likely to play in the wing with paps at fullback, that's what they did at the sunshine Coast Falcons to accommodate both of them in the same team, there's no way the Storm are going to loan him to the Dragons or let him join another club, the kid is held in very high regard by the Storm and Bellamy.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
I'm thinking it would be more politically acceptable if middling Clubs swapped for a year. Imagine the uproar if the Aussies sent to Poms their last placed team for a start? Then imagine how red faced English rugby league would be if that same last placed Aussie team was in the top 2 at season's end? Ditto in reverse if a top English side came to Oz and won the wooden spoon? Not saying either scenario would happen, but what if it did?
Easy target
Roar Rookie
Or this late season experiment of 2 fullbacks shoes promise and storm go all in attacking from the 30 minute mark. I can't see Bellamy doing it, but it would be exciting
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
It was a penalty for sure but the bin .... really ?
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Sadly, the British game has been in decline since the early 90's. The good players in the jnr leagues all migrate to Wigan, Warrington, Saints and the Cats these days and the good players in these teams eventually come over here. Very sad to watch because although we get to watch the best of the best every week, the international game suffers badly. If money was no object, I would like to see one of our lesser teams (say the Dragons or Tigers) go and play in their comp for a year and their best club play in the NRL for a year. I think that would help to improve standards overall but the chronic issue is still lack of money.
Easy target
Roar Rookie
I'd argue that if it was worth a penalty then it deserves a sin bin when it is a tackle on a player who has made a break. I don't think reimis was excessive or laid down in the tackle, but sailor did well to exaggerate the tackle. And I'd prefer a referee to make the call than shy away
Easy target
Roar Rookie
It makes sense that the last year and a bit the training has been strength, stability and flexibility of the joint/leg overall. Now that the leg is stable some speed training and exercise can be done. It will be interesting to see if the explosive acceleration can be retrained. (IMO it's the acceleration that people mistake for outright speed that paps needs to retrain)
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
You're probably right but that would still be a pretty good outcome, given this would be a team of largely inexperienced young fellas.
Paul
Roar Rookie
Geez Sua Fa’alogo looks the goods but can we talk about Greg Anderson for a second? The bloke runs so smoothly, reminds me of Greg Inglis. Glides across the turf with his head still.
Nat
Roar Guru
Olam put on a fair show last night playing as we know he can play. However, watching him with the Falcons he seemed pretty disinterested. He rattled some bones as he does but very little of the tough stuff.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
They would probably beat the bottom half of the table but would struggle against the likes of Wigan or St Helens or even Les Catalans.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Not a big fan of "on report". For me it is a bit of a cop out. I would sooner see the ref take action based on what he / the bunker has seen. Extra penalties doled out by the review committee do little to benefit the opposition team on the day. This is even more critical in the finals series. Extreme example I know but it makes the point. Imagine a team in the GF where a no name player is sent out to "cripple" the opposition's star player. Mr. no name is put or report. Job done, Mr. no name's coach immediately replaces him. No name, on review is banned for the rest of his life but that matters not to his team who just won a premiership.