The rivalry is intense, the games are intense and you get two committed teams every time they play, and the Rd 6 clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys was no different – with the Broncos pipping the Cowboys 12-10, courtesy of a late try to winger Josh Hoffman.
Hoffman, who is in rare try-scoring form with 7 tries from his last three games, was at his sparkling best, as the Broncos seem to be hitting their strides after a rocky start to the season.
As is always the case in a blockbuster rivalry such as this one, however, controversy is never too far away and once again, it reared its ugly head, leaving Cowboys coach Neil Henry seething.
It came after referee Ashley Klein went to the video referee for a potential penalty try for the Cowboys, given that the referee thought there was a case for Broncos lock Corey Parker being inside the 10.
With the decision resulting in a no-try, Henry was left fuming and implored that it be an area that is rectified.
“Please, get that right,” said a frustrated Henry.
“Corey Parker’s call (by Klein) through the Sports Ears saying ‘penalty try possibly for making a tackle inside the 10 metres’ – we don’t even get a penalty.
“He (Klein) says ‘no, we got that wrong. It was tackle three for you after we made a line break.
“They have a two-minute break on a review situation where they say there is nothing wrong with it.
“They went to the video and they said no try. There was never a chance it was a try – the player was nowhere near the tryline.
“What are they reviewing? Get it right.”
For the Broncos, the win gives them two on the trot and bragging rights in Queensland, having defeated the Gold Coast Titans and North Queensland Cowboys in successive weeks, on the back of a mantra the club has implemented, led by captain Sam Thaiday.
“We didn’t do a lot of things right, but our catchcry was we refused to lose,” Thaiday said later.
“It was a fantastic effort, we can really enjoy this weekend off.
“We came up with the one per cent plays, like Corey Parker’s try-saver (on Gavin Cooper in the 32nd minute), and our forwards still had the energy to put pressure on (Johnathan) Thurston.”
3. Jack Reed
2. Josh Hoffman
1. Corey Parker