Winning a game is always a fantastic feeling for any organisation but when the win is soured by the fact that a somewhat important player suffers a potentially serious injury, that is cause for concern, as the Brisbane Broncos cruised to victory at home against the Gold Coast Titans, only for veteran back-rower David Stagg to suffer a season-ending ACL injury.
Winning 32-6 and proving far too strong, the Broncos side took their chances well despite no Scott Prince or Justin Hodges, with Corey Parker kicking 16 points in total with the boot.
The Broncos execution did come on the back of the Titans ill-discipline, though, as the Gold Coast side conceded 10 straight penalties with Greg Bird being sent to the bin for repeated infringements and also put on report.
In the end, it was a performance to forget for the Titans and one they have to put behind them heading into the next round.
For Broncos coach Anthony Griffin, he saw the physical style and nature of the Titans play as a throwback to what the game was like back in the 70’s.
“It was like a throwback to the 70s,” said Griffin.
With some believing that the Titans set out to bash and rough up the Broncos, Griffin was quite honest in his assessment of their tactics.
“It was certainly very consistent throughout those first 40 minute,” Griffin said.’
Despite that, however, John Cartwright says that all of the penalties and poor play was a result of pent-up frustration by his side and nothing more.
“I’ll show you the game plan if you like. No it was just frustration,” Cartwright said.
3. Corey Parker
2. Matt Gillett
1. Albert Kelly