Broncos Legend John Elway Sadly Kicks The Bucket @62 After the half, the rain began to pour more fiercely. The Eels came out strong in the second half, leading 18–14 in the 41st minute after Dylan Brown scored on a one-on-one strip.
Josh Rogers, the halfback, made his maiden appearance in the NRL this year, and his tackling and kicking skills were impressive. Forwards Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Xavier Willison also contributed to the foundational work by working tirelessly in the pack.
In the first fifteen minutes, both teams had tries disallowed, and the Broncos had to contend with another early casualty when hooker Billy Walters was sidelined for the rest of the game due to a wrist injury.
However, the Broncos remained composed and Corey Oates’ excellent jam tackle from his left wing caused the ball to spill, allowing Ezra Mam to pick it up on his own 10-meter line and sprint off, setting up Walsh for the game-winning touchdown from halfway. In the seventeenth minute, Walsh scored from the left touchline to give his team a 6-2 advantage.
Brisbane began to settle in and finish their sets, and they were rewarded when they ran some great shape to their right edge. Rogers found Walsh, who then expertly flicked the ball on for Mariner, who activated the jets from 40 meters out, burning off two Eels defenders. After 26 minutes, it was 12-2 thanks to a Kotoni Staggs conversion.
In the 31st minute, the home team responded with a converted try through Blaize Talagi; however, the Broncos’ continued strong defensive play resulted in a hit-back score just before halftime, as backrower Jordan Riki intercepted the ball and skillfully flicked it to Mariner.
After his second try of the evening, the flying winger raced 80 meters, and Walsh’s conversion gave the visitors an 18–8 lead at halftime.
