Razzle Dazzle Returns
by Chris Cox
Sunday March 28, 2004
Although the match as a whole will largely be forgettable, the Brisbane Broncos showed a glimpse of their old attacking flair in disposing of a committed Wests Tigers 32-24 at Campbelltown Stadium. Trailing 18-12 at half time, the Broncos fought back with a try to Corey Parker midway through the second half to level the scores before 14 points in 6 minutes clinched victory.
Casey McGuire broke the deadlock, finishing off a mesmerising 50 metre movement that went through six players, eventually charging through a gap 10 metres out to score under the posts.
Michael De Vere extended the lead moments later with a penalty before Tonie Carroll finished off some beautiful interplay between five-eighth Darren Lockyer and rookie fullback Karmichael Hunt to score near the posts.
Earlier, Hunt scored his first first grade try when he finished off an equally thrilling move on the last tackle after Lockyer and Tallis created space 30 metres out. Winger Stu Kelly eventually dropped the ball onto his toe, Hunt showing amazing skill to pick up the dangerously bouncing ball and planting the ball on the line.
The video referee checked the offside carefully, but eventually gave Hunt the benefit of the doubt.
The Tigers led 18-12 at the break courtesy of tries to Jason Moodie, John Wilson and Brett Hodgson, but the Broncos eventually came home strong, overpowering the Tigers to record their second win of the season.
Brent Tate's return to first grade was mixed, some solid runs mixed in with some elementary errors, but the talented centre will be all the better for the run. Gorden Tallis was probably the difference between the sides, some damaging runs and solid defence proving crucial.
Shane Webcke and Petero Civoniceva were solid up front, while Dane Carlaw and Corey Parker provided valuable support.
The Broncos now move into the group of teams on four points, which is an amazing 8 teams. After three rounds of the Telstra Premiership, only the Sydney Roosters are unbeaten, with the 2002 Grand Finalists New Zealand Warriors the only team without a point after their humbling 42-22 loss to defending premiers Penrith in Auckland.
Brisbane's next opponents, Melbourne Storm, scored a commanding 34-6 win over St George-Illawarra to leap to third on the ladder on for-and-against. The Broncos remain in
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