Round 23
Brisbane Broncos 24 l. Bulldogs 25

2007 NRL Telstra Premiership Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats] [Club Headlines]

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

Broncos pipped at the post again
Mon August 20, 2007
Source: www.broncos.com.au

The Ergon Energy Broncos have vowed to march on to the finals after yet another perilously close loss.

The under-manned Broncos did everything they could against the Bulldogs last night but came up on the wrong side of a 25-24 scoreline.

A Brent Sherwin field goal with three minutes left proved the difference over a Broncos side missing several top-line stars.

The Broncos must now win their last two games against Canberra and Parramatta to ensure a place in the finals.

"It's been a big couple of months and to put in and not get the two points was shattering," said captain Petero Civoniceva.

"This club is made of something special. The young guys out there have caught onto that and are showing a lot of maturity.

"They could me making excuses for things but they are not.

"The boys will remain positive - I just know we will have that mindset every week."

The Broncos led for most of the night but then had to score a try to even the match late.

Darius Boyd squeezed over in the corner in the eighth minute but Ben Roberts answered for the Dogs in the 14th.

Boom teenager David Taylor continued to surprise when he ran over the top of two players to score an individual try in the 30th minute.

Hazem El Masri scored and converted to make it 12-all six minutes before the break.

The Broncos kicked ahead early in the second half when Shane Perry bamboozled the defence 30 metres out and beat the cover to the line.

However the Dogs went in again through Roberts, and when Luke Patten scored in the 66th minute, the visitors were in front 24-18.

However some clever work from Corey Parker, when he took on the short side and kicked ahead, with Taylor scooping up the crumbs, levelled the match.

Broncos' coach Wayne Bennett said he couldn't want for any more effort from his side.

The side lost winger Craig Frawley to a hamstring injury in the first minute of the game, resulting in major positional switches.

Back-up hooker Ian Lacey (pictured) was forced to play five-eighth.

"They have been putting in for a fair while and tonight they got closer," he said.

"The only thing hurting this football team is the amount of changes we have to make.

"Then we lose Frawley in the first minute - it just multiplies how hard it is for these guys.

"It was a really telling blow."

The Broncos now get ready for the hot and cold Raiders on Sunday.

It will be an emotional game at Suncorp Stadium as the last home game for departing players Civoniceva, Brad Thorn - last night's man of the match - Dane Carlaw, Shaun Berrigan and Brent Tate.

Report source: www.broncos.com.au

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Tonga returns to face the Broncos
Thu August 16, 2007
Source: www.bulldogs.com.au

Bulldogs centre Willie Tonga has traveled to Brisbane with his team mates and will play tomorrow night against the Broncos.

Tonga sustained a rib injury in round 22 and was not named in the Bulldogs line up for this week's clash with Brisbane.

However, he has recovered quicker than expected and will replace Andrew Emelio in the centres.

1. Luke Patten
2. Hazem El Masri
3. Daryl Millard
17. Willie Tonga
5. Cameron Phelps
6. Ben Roberts
7. Brent Sherwin
8. Mark O'Meley
9. Corey Hughes
10. Chris Armit
11. Sonny Bill Williams
12. Andrew Ryan (c)
13. Reni Maitua

Interchange:
14. Adam Perry
15. Nick Kouparitsas
16. Fred Briggs
20. Jon Green

News sent by: www.bulldogs.com.au

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Tue August 14, 2007
• Bulldogs unchanged for Broncos clash
  

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