The Brisbane Broncos go into their first final against Parramatta at ANZ Stadium next Saturday evening with the horrendous record of just one win from their past five matches after again succumbing, this time to bottom placed Bulldogs 25-18 at Sydney Showground. The Bulldogs, who had 37 competition points deducted for salary cap breaches, blitzed the Broncos in a first half tirade of four unanswered converted tries to carry a 24-6 lead into the break. Despite the Broncos having the better of possession, field position, penalties and pressure in the second half, the Bulldogs defence remained solid and it took until the final 13 minutes for the Broncos to add to their tally. Brent Sherwin, who deserves to be favourite for halfback of the year, kicked the winning field goal with 5 minutes remaining to seal the Broncos' fate.

Bulldogs 25 defeated Brisbane 18 at Sydney Showground, Sydney