James Segeyaro scores winning try as Broncos unleash on Roosters
New recruit James Segeyaro scored the match-sealing try as the Broncos attacked the Roosters in their most complete, brutal and inspired match of the year. See the full report here.
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Broncos recruit James Segeyaro has sensationally ignited Brisbane’s season, combining with NSW Origin contender Payne Haas to inspire a boilover against the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.
In a finals-style slugfest before 28,288 fans, Anthony Seibold’s Broncos Babes became big-game hunters as Segeyaro, Haas and 18-year-old halfback Tom Dearden rocked the premiers with a season-defining 15-10 upset.
Finally, the bumbling Broncos have found their spirit under Seibold – and Segeyaro, working as a barista two weeks ago, got their pulses racing.
Arriving in Brisbane just four days ago after being signed from the Newtown Jets, Segeyaro sucker-punched the Roosters in his Broncos debut, producing a 70th-minute dummy-half snipe that proved the match-winner.
It was a magnificent display by the Broncos, who have surged back into finals contention with a 4-6 record and a defensive intensity that ruffled the table-topping Roosters.
“The Broncos were ready to rock and roll,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
“They had an intensity. We got outenthused. We deserved to lose.”
The Broncos have copped all sorts of brickbats in the opening nine weeks, but this display is proof Brisbane’s young guns can beat anyone on their day.
“It’s certainly great to beat the Roosters, they are premiers and top of the table for a reason. It’s a kickstart for our year,” Seibold said.
“I’m proud of how the young guys have stuck to the task. I believe in them.”
Brisbane played with more hunger and energy from the outset, holding the Roosters to 8-all at half-time before Anthony Milford’s 65th minute field goal set up a thrilling finale at 9-8.
With the Roosters on the ropes Segeyaro delivered the knockout punch to provide an emphatic coronation to the Broncos’ most impressive performance under Seibold.
While Segeyaro was a hero, Haas stepped up as a State of Origin bolter, charging for 206 metres and scoring a first-half try, while front-row cohort Matt Lodge amassed 201m to belt the Bondi boys in midfield.
In just his third game, Dearden was a picture of class and composure, while hooker Jake Turpin produced the game of his life filling in for the injured Andrew McCullough.
From the opening minutes, when Roosters champion Cooper Cronk was sin-binned for taking out Darius Boyd, the Broncos played with energy, spirit and commitment.
It evoked images of the mateship and mongrel that built Brisbane’s defensive brick wall in their charge to the 2015 grand final.
Brisbane’s midfield awakening could be attributed to 19-year-old monster Haas.
In Haas, the Broncos finally have a hulking presence in midfield to smash through the advantage line from the opening play of each set.
Haas’ 16th-minute solo try, storming past Mitchell Aubusson and Luke Keary, was the evidence of a future superstar who would not be daunted by a State of Origin debut at this very ground on June 5.
But if Haas was a front-row beacon, he found willing allies.
Tevita Pangai Jr’s offload in the lead-up to Haas’ try underscored his X-factor, Alex Glenn ran neat lines on the left edge and hooker Turpin has proved a clever, resourceful replacement who hits like a 110kg front-rower.
The Latrell Mitchell-Gehamat Shibasaki showdown personified the whole night. The Roosters star was tipped to carve up the Broncos, but he was well-contained by three-game greenhorn Shibasaki.
The Broncos are alive and kicking.
Broncos 15 d Roosters 10
Brisbane
Tries: Payne Haas, James Segeyaro
Goals: Jamayne Isaako 3/3
Field Goals: Anthony Milford 1
Sydney
Tries: James Tedesco
Goals: Latrell Mitchell 3/3
Crowd: 28,288 at Suncorp Stadium
Referees: Grant Atkins, David Munro
Originally published as James Segeyaro scores winning try as Broncos unleash on Roosters
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