Oki Chokie as Broncos win

It was a sad end to the St George Illawarra season tonight, beaten by a physical and committed Broncos outfit at Suncorp Stadium by 24-10.

The Dragons earn the unwanted tag of the first ever Minor Premiers to bow out of the finals with consecutive losses in the first 2 weeks of matches.

The Broncos on the other hand were pumped from the outset. The started extremely physical and bashed the life out of the Dragons as they struggled to hang on.

Similar to last week, St George Illawarra took the early option to go for goal – again proving a mind boggling decision as they had little field position and needed to post points.

The Broncos under smart instructions from coach Ivan Henjack attacked the centre portion of the field with short inside passing. It worked a treat, as the Dragons focused on big Dave Taylor – the giant simply had a fast running back of his hip and positioned Karmichael Hunt brilliantly to score early points.

The Dragons simply couldn’t get any field position early on. Under attack from all angles, they were being driven backwards and were no chance of scoring early points.

The likes of Weyman, Costigan and Poore all tried to force the issue – but were slammed, shunted and turned away. Big Nick Kenny was a huge standout for the Brisbane side and was well helped by Sam Thaiday in the middle.

Dean Young was a casualty in the second half for his side, breaking his arm in a try saving tackle on Sam Thaiday only centimetres from the line.

Brisbane forwards deserve big accolades for laying such a strong early platform and as they got out to an 18 point lead in the second half – the Dragons hit the panic button. Saints were throwing it round with desperate force as they tried to conjure up a try.

Late replacement Joel Clinton was another notable mention, he added mobility to the forwards and kept the roll happening.

Brisbanes defence ensure the dangerous Ben Creagh was heavily marked and the illusive forward was cut down early on most occasions.

The Dragons only had a few chances and were pulled down short several times, blotted out by brutal and committed Broncos defence.

The Broncos were going through the motions late in the piece, unlucky to suffer a potential season ending ankle injury to half Peter Wallace.

Brisbane now head off to Etihad Stadium to play the Melbourne Storm in a repeat of last years Qualifying final and the St George Illawarra side will bow out with the head between their legs as players and fans alike will remain stunned at their capitulation.