Broncos fans will be trying not to panic after a disastrous opening run in 2002. The largely inexperienced Broncos raced to a 10-nil lead before conceding 60 unanswered points on the way to an embarassing 66-18 flogging at Toowoomba's Athletic Oval. Toowoomba boy and Bulldogs Jersey Flegg star, Jonathon Thurston, was an unlikely hit, scoring four second half tries and converting his only shot at goal as the Bulldogs ran rampant.

It was not all doom and gloom for the Broncos, however. While Allan Langer conceded one try with an intercept pass, he directed the attack beautifully as the Broncos gained early ascendency, and Gorden Tallis barged through to set up a try in the opening minutes. However, it must be said some of the players, who were plucked from Toowoomba lower grades and will struggle to make the Clydesdales' top 17, were really found wanting. Ultimately the Bulldogs' ploy of two separate teams for each half was the advantage, coming out fresh in the second half against an already exhausted Broncos outfit.

Bulldogs 66 defeated Brisbane 18 at Athletic Oval, Toowoomba