Raging Bull Subdues Roosters
by
Monday March 03, 2003

The Brisbane Broncos will go into the March 16 season opener against Penrith full of confidence after completing the would-be and actual premiers double, the Bulldogs and the Roosters, in the space of a week.

Although both matches were merely trial matches and none of the sides were at full strength, the Broncos showed plenty to give their fans hope that 2003 will be more than a rebuilding year, however any talk of premierships is a long way off track at this stage.

The revelation of 2003 could be Tonie Carroll.  The nuggety centre, who spent two seasons in England seemingly getting fitter and more damaging, has been a sensation in both of the Broncos' trial matches and his performance against the Roosters was again particularly outstanding.  His power and braun combines beautifully with the swift and creative Stuart Kelly to form what could be a winning combination on the right wing.

The Broncos, although never putting the Roosters away, never looked like being beaten as they provided an entertaining attacking plan with plenty of ball movement which effectively nullified the Roosters' much vaunted umbrella style up-and-in defence.  Carroll and his fellow outside backs revelled in the space as Shaun Berrigan, Ben Ikin and Darren Lockyer often provided sharp, well timed passes that immediately put their backs outside of the Roosters' oncharging defenders.

Lockyer was again sensational, setting up a length of the field effort for Carroll and scoring himself in the second half before taking a well earned breather.

Tallis was the real star of the night however.  Back are the blockbusting rucks that take three or four defenders with him, the frightening tackles that have opponents thinking twice about running in his direction.  The Raging Bull is back.  If he maintains his form throughout the season he will go a long way towards singlehandedly inspiring his young but often under-performing back row counterparts.

Once such counterpart completed his second strong performance in succession, Brad Meyers. Meyers scored a try and setup another as he put in a barnstorming effort which has revived hope of him reclaiming his 2001 form that saw him receive State and National honours.

With Shane Webcke (calf) expected to return from injury against Penrith and Richard Swain (suspension) available, the Broncos are now hoping Petero Civoniceva can beat a high tackle charge that is likely to arrise after the State of Origin prop was reported by Matt Cecchin for a high shot on Shannon Hegarty early in the second half.  Hegarty was left dazed on the ground for several minutes as Civoniceva was cautioned and with a similar suspension last year for a tackle on Martin Lang he appears almost certain to receive time on the sideline.

Full report available in results.