Round 17
Broncos 26 d. Sharks 12

2006 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

Location: Aus_NZ > National > First Grade Competition: NRL Telstra Premiership

Sharks go down as rookie Broncos defy the script
Sun July 2, 2006
An understrength Brisbane Broncos outfit defied the odds to score an impressive win over the high flying Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium this afternoon. Missing 12 players through either injury or Origin commitments, the Broncos were outstanding in all facets of the game.

The home side struck first through a Corey Parker breaking through a poor defensive effort from Adam Dykes. Further tries to stalwart Shane Webcke and tyro Tame Tupou gave the Broncos a commanding lead in the first half. A ten point difference at the break flattered the Sharks, as Brisbane constructed a faultless first 40 minutes of rugby league.

Any hopes of a Cronulla fightback were dented by Brett Seymour crossing over, before a try to Greg Bird still provided cause for optimism for the visitors. The Sharks' poor display was finally given the knockout punch with Darius Boyd sealing the matchwinner.

In the end, a 26-12 scoreline heavily flattered the visitors, with Corey Parker's goalkicking leaving lot to be desired. In all other aspects though, the Broncos were superb. There was clear intention to tire out the Sharks' halves in defense, thus reducing their offensive potency. The Broncos also were able to shut out potential second phase play through stopping Lance Thompson's offloading skills.

For the visitors, this result will no doubt renew doubts about the Sharks' ability to handle pressure. Since their renaissance back in Round 7, the Sharks have now lost only two games. The fact they have been against the Origin hit Bulldogs and Broncos will surely renew doubts about the Sharks' ability to handle pressure and pre-match favouritism. The Cronulla side will need to prove they can dominate fellow premiership contenders, and not just score wins before losing the games that do count. Cronulla would do well to draw on past experiences to recover from what is a minor setback. Further performances of this nature will again show that the idea of a maiden title are merely delusions of grandeur.

Take nothing from Brisbane though. Cronulla provided opportunities, but a good side capitalises on these. Today's performance will convince many that the Broncos are adapting to the demands of the Origin period and still winning games. They can take another big step forward by defeating the Melbourne Storm at home next week; something no side has managed to do yet in 2006.

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