In a promising start under new coach Michael Maguire, the Brisbane Broncos showcased their pre-season prowess with a resounding 50-14 victory over the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium amid challenging weather conditions.
Although initially slow to find their rhythm, the Broncos quickly shifted gears and delivered a performance that sent a strong message across the competition. The new halves combination of Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds played pivotal roles in the team’s success, while the pressure mounts on Roosters’ coach Trent Robinson after a disappointing start.
The match began with excitement as Robert Toia made a memorable NRL debut by breaking through Brisbane’s defence, setting up Dom Young for an early try. However, the Roosters’ lead was short-lived as the Broncos retaliated with three consecutive tries, compounded by a head injury to star player Victor Radley.
Brisbane’s attacking display significantly ramped up after the break, highlighted by a sensational try from Selwyn Cobbo, who demonstrated impressive skills by scoring following a well-executed play involving Reynolds and Deine Mariner.
Commentators praised the Broncos for their flair and tactical execution, with Billy Slater noting that even with Maguire’s focus on fundamental gameplay, the team displayed their extraordinary potential. Andrew Johns remarked on their entertaining style, especially given the challenging conditions.
Hunt marked his return to the Broncos with a try following impressive lead-up play and, as the match progressed, Reece Walsh joined the scoresheet, exacerbating the Roosters’ misfortunes with further points. Jesse Arthars also added to the tally, and Cobbo completed his hat-trick, further illustrating Brisbane’s dominance.
Despite the Roosters’ efforts, they struggled to keep pace and were outclassed throughout the match, receiving a late consolation when Young scored again. The overall impression from commentators was clear—Brisbane’s performance was a bold statement, showcasing their resurgence and capability as a formidable force in the competition for the season ahead.
As the match wrapped up, a bizarre incident took place when Brendan Piakura was sin-binned shortly after entering the field, but the excitement of the night had already sealed a memorable victory for the Broncos.