Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs: Five things we learned

KODI Nikorima delivers at fullback as Andrew McCullough’s fine form continues — five things we learned from Brisbane’s dominant win over the Bulldogs.

KODI Nikorima delivers at fullback as Andrew McCullough’s fine form continues.

Here are the five things we learned from Brisbane’s dominant win over the Bulldogs.

1 — IT was a surprise move from Wayne Bennett to name Kodi Nikorima at fullback, but it was a move the talented utility handled with ease. Hardly challenged under the high ball, the young gun was strong on the kick return and showed the best of his running game, making six tackle busts. His skill when taking on the line paid off in a big way just 20 minutes out from full-time, when Nikorima showed great footwork and speed to get past Raymond Faitala-Mariner for a try.

2 — ANDREW McCullough has been in career-best form all year and is not showing any signs of slowing down. He has been Brisbane’s most consistent player this season, particularly with his defensive efforts. A contender for a World Cup call-up, Australian coach Mal Meninga said earlier this year that selectors want to see more from McCullough in attack. This was evident in the first half as he made 81m off four runs and set up a great try for Tautau Moga.

Andrew McCullough is in career-best form.

MATCH REPORT: Surging Broncos leave Bulldogs battered

3 — JOE Ofahengaue showed why he is worth every cent of his new two-year deal with a sensational performance off the bench. He ran more metres than any other Broncos forward, eating up 138m off 15 runs. He has turned around his form perfectly after last year’s demotion to reserve grade.

4 — DESPITE Nikorima’s strong performance at the back, the Broncos will welcome skipper Darius Boyd back with open arms next week. It was a commanding win from Brisbane in the end, but there were moments where the team’s timing in attack was slightly off or their defence wasn’t where it should be. Boyd will fix that with his return as Brisbane push for a top four finish.

5 — THE Broncos were so dominant that there was one period where the Bulldogs went without the ball for 15 minutes. Between the 53rd and 68th minute, Brisbane had complete control of possession, helped by tries to Kodi Nikorima, Josh McGuire and James Roberts in that time. The Bulldogs started well but they had few answers to stop Brisbane.

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs: Five things we learned