Baby Broncos Grow Up

With five premierships, a finals-making streak of 11 consecutive seasons, countless State of Origin and Test representatives, one would think it would be difficult for the Brisbane Broncos to come up with something that makes people sit up and take notice. They did exactly that with a brilliant win against all odds against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown. With 19 players either injured or on State of Origin duty, the Broncos named a side that resembled very closely the Toowoomba Clydesdales side that runs around in the Queensland Cup every week. Six debutants and three players with only one or two first grade appearances behind t hem, a win looked unlikely at best, and in most punters' eyes, impossible.

But the Broncos have shown in 2002 that they never believe they're beaten. On several occasions they have pulled victories when any lesser side would have certainly been beaten, and from the opening whistle it seemed the baby Broncos had read none of the press writing them off.

In his first game as captain, hooker Shane Walker was simply outstanding and led the side with enthusiasm and professionalism, making a staggering 42 tackles, setting up the first try to debutant prop Robert Tanielu. Walker and fellow experienced campaigners Stu Kelly, Phil Lee and especially Brad Meyers stood up and inspired those around them such that they never looked like being beaten.

After leading 6-2 at half time, the Broncos scorched ahead with tries to Steve Irwin and Casey McGuire. Irwin's try came from a beautifully placed kick from second-game five-eighth Brett Seymour, while McGuire picked up an intercept from Robert Mears before running 90 metres to score. At 18-2 the Broncos had the game on a platter.

But the Tigers continued to come at them, and when skill failed they tried braun and physical intimidation. Twice Tigers players were placed on report for lifting tackles, while Nathan Friend and Shane Walker were also placed on report for a similar first half offence. Eventually the Tigers crossed the chalk when Mears made amends for his mistake with a grubber and try.

With 15 minutes left, however, the Broncos put the result beyond any shadow of a doubt when Scott Prince found Irwin with a pin point crossfield kick to score in the corner for a 22-8 lead. Troy Wozniak scored with less than 10 to go to reduce the deficit to 8, but then Tanielu made yet another impact on the game with a brilliant around-the-corner offload which found McGuire in space to score his second. Prince's sideline conversion finished the scoring and when the full time siren sounded the jubilation on their faces told the story.

But while the second half tryscoring added the icing to the cake it was the Broncos' commitment and determination in defence late in the first half that paved the way for victory. Lincoln Withers and Luke Isakka made clean breaks only to be cleaned up in desperate cover defence, while prop John Skandalis appeared certain to crash over only to have the ball dislodged centimetres short.

What's more, the young Broncos didn't let a mounting penalty count - which stood at 9-4 early in the second half - affect them. Tempers frayed at various stages during the second half, but referee Tim Mander managed to keep relative calm on the mounting tension.

The biggest concern, however, was the worrying spate of lifting tackles. Tigers captain Darren Senter was driven awkwardly on his head by Walker and Friend before Ahmad Bajouri returned the favour on giant winger Scott Minto. In the second half Willie Manu earnt the ire of the Broncos' forwards twice, once for a late shot on Chris Kahler and again for a dangerous flip on Friend. All three lifting incidents were placed on report. Minto in particular came in for tough treatment, with Corey Pearson also hitting him twice with high tackles, reviving memories of the gifted and dependable Paul Hauff whose career was cut tragically short by a series of injuries brought about by high tackles.

Concern centred on Lincoln Withers during the second half when an attempted tackle on Robert Tanielu went horribly wrong, the young five-eighth's head making solid contact with the prop's shoulder, the youngster staggering uncontrollably as trainers tried to get him off the field. Tanielu's outstanding debut was also cut short when he suffered a sternum injury in the opening 20 minutes, but managed to return midway through the second half.

The Broncos were outstanding across the park, putting in a quality team performance that would rival the performance of their top side on a good day. The forwards were simply outstanding, led brilliantly by Meyers and Walker. Meyers in particular made an amazing 24 tackles and 24 hit ups in a powerhouse display that must surely put him back into State of Origin contention if Queensland fail to level the series or suffer more injuries. Michael Coorey, Tanielu, Corey Parker and Phil Lee also played strongly to ensure a constant go-forward that ensured victory.

The halves pairing of Brett Seymour and Scott Prince was brilliant, with Prince in particular impressing in his first grade return after 10 months out with a broken leg. He directed the players around the park beautifully and his kicking game was superb. 17-year-old Seymour showed some great touch in attack and despite missing six tackles also made a valuable contribution in defence making 25 tackles. The backline of Stu Kelly, Scott Minto, Steve Irwin, Casey McGuire and Nick Parfitt reaped the rewards with plenty of quality ball and rock solid defence as the Tigers tried to stretch them out wide.

The Tigers would be extremely disappointed with their performance and in particular the first 20 minutes where they literally threw any chance of victory away with silly passes in their own half. Corey Pearson, Robert Mears and John Skandalis tried to the death but they had precious little support from the remaining forwards. Ben Jeffries showed flashes of brilliance but the outside backs had little chance to impress as they crashed to their fourth successive loss.

Craig Bellamy deserves plenty of credit for the performance. With head coach Wayne Bennett away with the Origin team, Bellamy had the task of preparing his side and he showed he had done plenty of research. Prince and Seymour kicked behind the Tigers' backs on early tackles several times and came up with two tries and several line dropouts as a result. None of the Tigers' pet plays provided any real opportunity either as they were countered by rock solid defence.

The majority of the players who did such a tremendous job for Brisbane will not return when the Broncos clash with archrivals Parramatta at ANZ Stadium next Friday night. However, names like Tanielu, Seymour, Irwin and Minto will not remain unknown for long.

Play of the Day

Brett Seymour (Brisbane) showed his confidence again when he kicked on an early tackle in just the second minute after half time, the ball bouncing beautifully for the flying winger, Steve Irwin, to score and put the Broncos ahead 12-2.