It was a long time coming but the Brisbane Broncos are finally back in the winner’s circles after beating the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The 26-8 win at Suncorp snaps a six-game losing streak, a much needed win for coach Anthony Seibold.
The Bulldogs loss, however, heaps more pressure on Dean Pay.
It was their strongest performance since the season resumption with Tevita Pangai Jr. starring.
He was involved in the first try; taking the line on, drawing defenders in and then offloading.
That offload went to Corey Oates, playing in the back-row, who powered over defenders to score.
Pangai Jr. would then score one of his own as he grubbered ahead after a Bulldogs error and won the race to the ball to score.
There were chances to extend the lead even further but the Broncos were unable to capitalise.
Oates then went on report for a high shot and the Bulldogs would soon go on to score.
A cut-out pass from Kieran Foran found Nick Meaney who finished well in the corner.
New Bulldogs recruit, Englishman Luke Thompson was the next to be put on report for a shoulder charge.
Needing a strong start to assert their dominance, the Broncos did just that.
Good vision from Anthony Milford saw him kick ahead, catching Bulldogs defenders off-guard.
It would be Jamayne Isaako who would win the foot race to the ball and score.
Isaako would then convert a penalty goal to give the Broncos a 16-4 lead.
Then a lovely scrum play saw Brodie Croft and Tesi Niu combine for winger Xavier Coates to score.
Foran was again involved in the Bulldogs second try; this time laying on a pass for Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Though to cap off his strong game, Tevita Pangai Jr. would produce some magic.
With several defenders trying to bundle him into touch, he somehow offloaded and Isaako was there to cut inside and score.
Seibold praised his side’s performance and knows that although this was a step in the right direction, they need more.
“It was a much better performance tonight,” Seibold said.
“I have seen it in halves of footy recently but we were able to put back-to-back halves together which was really pleasing.
“There is better [to come] but it was a step in the right direction.”
The downside to the victory was an MCL injury to captain Alex Glenn.
The going has been tough for the Dogs both on and off the field and coach Pay wants an answer regarding his future.
“We can go out into the market and look to bolster our recruitment,” Pay said.
“There’s some kids in there that I have now who have got some games under their belt who are going to be better players moving forward.”
Despite the loss, Pay believes there are positives on the horizon.
“We have got some real positive signs coming soon,” Pay continued.
It is very hard for everyone at the moment but we will move forward and will get better.”
NRL News Player of the Game
3. Tevita Pangai Jr.
2. Jamayne Isaako
- Tesi Niu
