Broncos Burnt By Dragons
by
Friday July 04, 2003

The emotional and physical toll of the past month hurt the Brisbane Broncos as they suffered a 32-16 loss to St George-Illawarra at WIN Stadium, and may lose their position on top of the Telstra Premiership as a result.

The Broncos, who have endured two bruising State of Origin clashes and two equally difficult club victories over Canberra and Sydney Roosters, simply looked out of gas from the outset against the Dragons.  It showed in the opening set of six when the Broncos made just 30 metres on five plays, while the Dragons came back with 50.

To their credit, the Broncos were in the game down 20-16 after 60 minutes, but a controversial try to Matt Cooper and squandered opportunities cost Brisbane in the end.

Dragons halfback Brett Firman, who has been a revelation throughout season 2003, all but cemented his place as the rookie of the year with a commanding display behind a forward pack that dominated its international quality opposition. Despite 7 internationals and a Queensland Origin player in the Broncos' 9 forwards, the Broncos could not match their younger and more enthusiastic opposition.

Brisbane had a golden opportunity to take the lead early when Brent Tate kicked for himself, only to lose the ball over the line.  Moments later Mark Gasnier scored down the other end of the field from a deft Nathan Blacklock kick to open the scoring. Gasnier then put Ben Hornby over moments later for a 10-0 lead.

Craig Frawley and Ben Ikin scored long range tries against the run of play in the final five minutes before half time, but despite the 10-all scoreline, the Dragons always looked to have their measure.

Stuart Kelly's alleged knock on early in the second half was the first 50-50 call that went against Brisbane and it proved costly, replacement back rower Brent Kite putting the Dragons ahead 16-10.  Firman then started a devastating movement on the last tackle of the next set which resulted in Gasnier's second try and a match winning lead of 20-10.

Gorden Tallis gave his side some hope when he charged over after 60 minutes to reduce the margin to 4, but it was the Dragons' night.  Matt Cooper scored a controversial try soon after to seal the result.  However, there were two major question marks on the play.

The first came three tackles earlier when Dean Young appeared to have knocked on in a tackle by Tonie Carroll. Then on the last, John Wilshere doubtfully grubbered close to the line, Cooper scooping it up to score. Video referee Mick Stone ruled that the ball did touch Wilshere's boot, but it appeared a very long bow for the former international referee to draw.

Tallis was then ruled by Stone to lose the ball over the line with 5 minutes on the clock before Blacklock scored his customary try in the dying moments.

Despite the controversy, the Dragons deserved their victory, outenthusing and out-pointing their opposition across the park.  Firman was outstanding at halfback and at just 21 and up against the Queensland State of Origin halfback, he showed just how far off the pace Queensland is in its production of quality halves.  Firman is almost certainly the heir apparent to Andrew Johns in two or three years' time and he has all the attributes to be as good as the Newcastle general who, according to former Australian coach Don Furner, is the best halfback ever.

New South Wales stars Luke Bailey, Jason Ryles and Shaun Timmins also excelled for the Dragons, along with youngster Henry Perenara and veteran Chris Leikvoll.  Young back rower Michael Howell could face some sideline time after being reported for a late elbow to the head of Casey McGuire as the Broncos centre lay on the ground stung by a high tackle, which was also placed on report.

The Broncos were flat, but Shane Webcke continued to show why talk of him losing his mantle of best prop in the world is a long way off. 35 tackles and 16 hit ups from a man battered and bruised was a courageous effort.  However, apart from Carl Webb, he had precious little support.  Gorden Tallis had flashes of brilliance, but he was visibly affected by fatigue also.

Darren Lockyer is still suffering from his ankle injury, while Berrigan and Ben Ikin were ineffective once more. Winger Craig Frawley was one of the few bright points for the Broncos. The injury plagued youngster made three great line breaks, one resulting in his first first grade try in what was by far his most impressive first grade performance so far. 

The Broncos now have a nervous wait to see if Canberra knock them off top spot by beating Melbourne later in the round, while the Dragons move into the top 8, where they will stay regardless of other results this weekend.