Broncos weather Titans fightback to clinch derby clash 24-16 at Cbus Super Stadium
WAYNE Bennett declared Darius Boyd a better Maroons fullback than Greg Inglis after he spearheaded Brisbane’s 24-16 defeat of the Titans.
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WAYNE Bennett has thrown an Origin selection curve-ball by declaring Darius Boyd a better Maroons fullback than Greg Inglis after he spearheaded Brisbane’s 24-16 derby defeat of the Titans.
Titans defector James Roberts may have provided the early magic, but it was Boyd’s backfield zip and class that held Brisbane together in a spirited contest before 21,080 fans at Cbus Super Stadium.
Brisbane looked set for a rout when some Kodi Nikorima brilliance propelled them to a 22-4 lead after 58 minutes, but last year’s grand finalists had to weather a stirring Titans fightback to claim Queensland bragging rights.
Two tries to Zeb Taia (64th and 68th minutes) whittled Brisbane’s lead to 22-16 and the Broncos could only breathe easily when Jordan Kahu potted a penalty three minutes from time.
It gave the Broncos their sixth win in seven starts against the Titans. And while Wayne Bennett won’t be popping champagne corks, the Broncos did enough amid the errors and second-half siesta to remain entrenched in the top two.
Ultimately, Boyd was the game-changer, amassing a whopping 186 metres and creating a crucial try for Kahu four minutes after the break for a 16-4 lead.
Queensland mentor Kevin Walters insists Inglis will be his fullback for Origin I _ but Bennett was at loggerheads with his former Broncos assistant coach.
Asked if Boyd should be considered for the Maroons’ No. 1 jumper, Bennett said: “Of course I do.
“I don’t write the stories, you do that. If he’s not being talked up, don’t look at me.
“He should have played fullback before for Queensland. Queensland are stronger with Inglis in the centres and Darius at fullback rather than Inglis at fullback and Boyd on the wing.
“But they keep on winning so we have to live with it.”
Broncos skipper and Maroons lock Corey Parker lauded the impact of Boyd, who has played 23 Origin games on the wing for Queensland.
“I have played a lot of footy with Darius _ he is the ultimate professional,” he said.
“His work off the ball goes a bit unnoticed but from our point of view, his ability to direct play and put players in positions they need to go to is great.
“Billy Slater and the good fullbacks all do that.”
Buoyed by three wins in a month, the resurgent Titans made Brisbane fight and scrap for every point.
As is the way with all good rivalries, the build-up was littered with barbs and banter. But actions speak louder than words and Roberts’ feet, fittingly, provided the early magic at Cbus.
While Boyd was a constant menace, halfback Ben Hunt was better on several fronts after spending the opening month residing in Anthony Milford’s shadow.
It wasn’t just the 24th minute try that saw him dummy through and weather heavy contact from David Mead to crash over for a 10-0 lead. It was his pass selection, game management and, most tellingly, his general-play kick options.
“Our kicking game was better,” Bennett said.
“I was pretty happy overall. Physically, we were a bit tired (after the Cowboys grand-final replay last week), so I’m pretty happy.
“The Titans competed well but our forwards all prepared well ... they are looking good this team.”
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Originally published as Broncos weather Titans fightback to clinch derby clash 24-16 at Cbus Super Stadium
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