Contracts + Test Selection = Bad Attitude

The Brisbane Broncos picked up two competition points, but for the fans feeling disillusioned at speculation over their so-called loyal stars looking elsewhere it was yet another disappointing display marred by distractions that should not be an issue coming into the business end of the season. Against a keen St George-Illawarra side, the Broncos were lethargic at best in the first half, a half time roasting from coach Wayne Bennett lifting them to do their jobs enough to come away with a solid win that leaves them in third place in the Telstra Premiership race.

While the all too well publicised contract clouds surrounding several high profile players is an obvious distraction, the Test side, named this evening, seemed to negatively impact a number of players as they either tried too hard or tried too hard not to get injured. Brent Tate, however, named as a possible bolter for the Australian side to play Great Britain, put that idea out of his head as he played yet another brilliant hand in a career that is soaring to meet his high expectations. Tate scored two tries, both outstanding examples of support and played strongly throughout the 80 minutes.

However, for all his determination, the Broncos found themselves down 16-12 at the break, a combination of poor goalkicking from Michael De Vere and a lapse of concentration late in the tackle count. The first 40 minutes went try for try, Tate scoring after a fortuitous bounce from a Darren Lockyer kick was cleaned up by Casey McGuire. The Dragons hit back immediately, running the ball on the last tackle and finding Lee Hookey who crossed untouch to put them in front 6-4.

De Vere made up for his missed kick at goal when he was on the spot to pick up an offload from an out of sorts Chris Walker to score in the corner, but missed the conversion. Then, again on the last, the Dragons put a high ball up, Shane Laloata taking a brilliant catch and offloading to Hookey who showed great strength to ground the ball despite the attention of three defenders for a 10-8 lead. Brad Meyers' return to form continued, rewarded for some solid hit ups and tackling by diving on an Allan Langer grubber. De Vere's shot at goal was a shocker, well wide of the posts, but the Broncos were again in front 12-10. However, shortly before half time the Broncos dropped their guard again, Justin Smith taking an inside pass to score under the posts for a 16-12 half time lead.

Brisbane, penalised heavily in the first half, were immediately given a reprieve by Shane Hayne, a penalty from the opening set putting them on the attack. Carl Webb crossed after a well sold dummy saw the defence drop off him from close range. De Vere finally converted to regain the lead 18-16. Minutes later, Allan Langer put another pin point grubber into the in goal, De Vere knocking the ball out of Shane Laloata's hands for Langer to dive and extend the lead to 8 points. The Nine commentators disagreed with the decision, but it was fairly clear that De Vere didn't play at the football, jolting the ball free in the tackle.

Tate scored his second when he showed great courage and determination to dive on a Darren Lockyer grubber kick despite Laloata all but having dived on the ball, De Vere's conversion hitting the post but the Broncos led by 12. Shaun Berrigan, starting the game at hooker as Shane Walker was given a rest, showed his devastating evasive skills when he ducked and weaved then dived over from close range to put the seal on the game at 34-16.

Jason Hooper scored a good try late in the game as the Broncos did their customary and frustrating clock off, but the two points were won and the Broncos moved back into the top 3 ahead of the defeated New Zealand Warriors.

It was another frustrating game to watch for Brisbane fans, as once again the players appeared lethargic in the opening 40 minutes. Chris Walker and Lote Tuqiri, the two most in the headlines about their futures, were most disappointing by their standards, with Walker playing an error-riddled match marked mainly by his lack of involvement. However, forwards Petero Civoniceva and Carl Webb, whose futures are also in jeopardy, played strongly. The pick of the bunch was Tate, but Berrigan, Meyers, and Corey Parker also played very strongly. Shane Webcke was outstanding in the opening half but was rested for most of the second half in preparation for what is going to be a devastating Test match next Friday. Darren Lockyer was quiet, but Allan Langer stood up to the breach and directed the side well, Casey McGuire also playing well.

The Dragons played strongly in the first half but disintegrated in the second half. Jason Ryles and Webcke's confrontation again lived up to expectations, while Luke Bailey was solid without being brilliant. Lee Hookey and Amos Roberts continue to cause problems in the backs, while Ben Hornby showed he is a good enough halfback to replace Souths-bound Willie Peters.

Brisbane now face a tough task and possible ambush against Penrith at Penrith next Saturday night, with as many as 7 players likely to be backing up from Test duty 24 hours earlier. The Broncos will need the two points as they come into a tough area of the draw in which they face the Bulldogs, Knights, Warriors and Eels away from home.

Play of the Day

Brent Tate (Brisbane) showed plenty of guts and strength when he pounced on a grubber despite the attentions of defence from close range to put the Broncos in the drivers seat at 28-16.