Broncos v Cowboys: Five things we learned

ANTHONY Milford rediscovered his running game, Cowboys have a future Origin star and Wayne Bennett’s accidental stroke of genius. These are five things we learned.

Anthony Milford of the Broncos is tackled during the round two NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on March 16, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

• Goalpost thwarts Thurston masterclass
• Bennett fumes: ‘You can’t divide us’

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED

1. Anthony Milford vowed to rediscover his running game and he certainly did so last night. After making just four runs in last week’s loss to the Dragons, the flashy playmaker turned up the heat on the Cowboys. He is best with the ball in his hand and proved that last night, making 95m off 10 runs. He was one of Brisbane’s best and can’t lose that running game again this year.

2. Wayne Bennett admitted he made a mistake by starting Sam Thaiday at hooker last week. This time around he reintroduced Andrew McCullough to the starting side and it was exactly what Brisbane needed. He is their most consistent player, knows how to keep control and how to steer his side around the park. It was perfect 80 minutes from McCullough, who made 46 tackles and missed none.

Anthony Milford was at the heart of Brisbane’s best attacking moves. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

3. While Bennett made a mistake last week, he may have had an accidental stroke of genius last night. Jordan Kahu’s night ended early in heartbreak after he suffered a suspected broken jaw 18 minutes in. But Tom Opacic, who was mysteriously picked on the bench, proved to be the perfect back up. He was solid in his first NRL game since September 2016, especially reliable in defence.

4. Jordan McLean should make his Origin debut this year. NSW cannot overlook the monster prop, who will no doubt provide some headaches for the Queensland forward pack. He scored a freakish try in the opening minutes, putting in an incredible effort to extend his arm towards the tryline, and also ate up 145m off 17 runs. He had 80m by halftime — the most of any forward on the field.

Jordan McLean was dominant for the Cowboys in the first half. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

5. The Cowboys will desperately want star playmaker Michael Morgan back for next week’s grand final rematch with the Storm. While Te Maire Martin did his best in Morgan’s place, it was obvious that the timing was off in some of their attacking plays and Johnathan Thurston became an easy target as the obvious go-to choice for the Cowboys. Morgan will provide more balance for the side’s attacking options and bring cohesion.