BRONCOS 46, TIGERS 24
Xavier Willison celebrates scoring a double.Credit: Getty Images
Veteran halfback Adam Reynolds has injured a hamstring while playing a key role in setting up Brisbane’s 46-24 thrashing of Wests Tigers.
The Broncos captain scored a superb solo try with a chip and chase to give his side a 26-16 lead in the 45th minute at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. It was immediately after landing the conversion that he signalled to the bench that he needed to come off after tweaking a hamstring while kicking the goal.
The match was in the balance when Wests led 12-6 late in the first half before the Broncos clicked into gear.
The Brisbane halves pairing of Ben Hunt and Reynolds had played 594 games of first grade more than their opposite duo Lachlan Galvin and Latu Fainu, an all-time premiership record.
Galvin, 19, was outstanding for the visitors with his short kicking game crucial in giving the Tigers the lead. It was the boot of Reynolds, combined with a hint of genius, that proved telling in the final result.
A Hunt 40/20 was also crucial in gaining Brisbane possession in the second half before the Broncos cut loose.
Fainu’s night was cut short in the 49th minute due to a failed HIA.
Galvin’s response to Hunt’s initial try assist was impressive. His pinpoint grubber put fellow teenager Luke Laulilii over for a try.
Tigers winger Sunia Turuva then scored after fullback Jahream Bula went on a 55m run. The Tigers attack then cashed in when centre Starford To’a burnt opposite number Gehamat Shibasaki to make it 12-6.
Reynolds landed a 42 metre two-point field goal for the hosts for a 14-12 lead at the break, but it was tries by Xavier Willison either side of halftime that really hurt the Tigers.
The crowd of 41, 011 was a Brisbane club record for a match against Wests Tigers.
AAP