Michael Maguire’s strategy during the recent match aimed to exploit the defensive weaknesses of Roosters winger Dominic Young. While Young showcased his attacking prowess by scoring two tries, his defensive lapses were glaring. He struggled with play recognition, frequently moved within the field, and was sluggish in his defensive transitions. The Brisbane Broncos capitalised on these shortcomings, with five of their nine tries resulting from attacks on Young’s side. His performance included six tackles, but he missed five, including a particularly poor attempted trip that allowed the Broncos to score once more.
This display raises concerns for Roosters coach Trent Robinson, who must now prepare for rival coaches to adopt similar strategies to target Young’s defensive frailties. Meanwhile, the Broncos enjoyed a remarkable performance, led by the oldest halfback pairing in the NRL for nearly thirty years. Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds returned, contributing significantly to the Broncos’ 50-14 victory, marking an impressive start to Maguire’s tenure. The duo’s combined experience, with over 600 games between them, played a pivotal role in dismantling the Roosters’ defence, with both aged thirty or above.
In another noteworthy development, Knights coach Adam O’Brien made a bold decision to shift Fletcher Sharp from the backline to five-eighth, which immediately bore fruit in their narrow 10-8 win against the Tigers. Sharp’s impactful play included a crucial try and two dynamic line breaks, demonstrating his potential as a playmaker and boosting the Knights’ prospects for the season.
At Manly, Ethan Bullemor is emerging as an influential figure, though not traditionally seen as a star player. Bullemor’s fearless running and high intensity uplifted the team’s performance, particularly highlighted in a quick lead against the Cowboys. His effective use of the ball and defensive prowess has endeared him to fans and made him a key player.
Lastly, Jack Howarth of the Storm made a compelling case for Queensland State of Origin selection with his impressive showing against Parramatta. Displaying extraordinary skill, Howarth consistently breached the Eels’ defence, helping his team to maintain a remarkable streak of 23 consecutive round-one victories. If he continues on this trajectory, he may become a standout contender for selection in the state team.
Overall, this matchday underscored strategic adjustments, emerging talents, and the critical need for coaches to adapt to their opponents’ weaknesses as the season progresses.