Broncos v Sharks: Five things we learned

THE Broncos got their 2017 premiership campaign off to a winning start — here’s what we learned from their defeat of Cronulla.

THE Broncos got their 2017 premiership campaign off to a winning start with a tough triumph against the Sharks.

Here’s what we learned from Brisbane’s 26-18 win over Cronulla at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

1. ANTHONY MILFORD IS THE KEY PLANK IN BRISBANE’S NEW-LOOK ATTACK

Broncos five-eighth Anthony Milford tries to beat the tackle of Sharks centre Ricky Leutele.

The Broncos will play a more direct style this season and Milford showed the benefits of doing just that when he straightened the attack to clinch victory. With the Broncos clinging to a 20-18 lead, Ben Hunt switched play and Milford worked his magic, stepping past two Sharks defenders to put the premiers to bed. Brisbane can’t win the title without him.

MATCH REPORT: Milford inspires Broncos to victory

2. DARIUS BOYD IS IN THE BEST FORM OF HIS CAREER

The new Broncos skipper gives his side an extra dimension in attack when he chimes in on backman plays. He threw the final pass for two tries simply by ghosting into the line, reading the numbers and pulling the trigger to isolate Cronulla’s edge defenders. His ability to read attacking shapes and create tryscoring opportunities is peerless. The captaincy will take Boyd to another level this season.

3. BEN HUNT NEEDS TO GET HIS GAME INTO GEAR PRONTO

Ben Hunt had a tough night for the Broncos.

No-one expects perfection in round one but Hunt was totally off the boil. He failed to play direct in attack and his kicking game still hasn’t improved on his erratic efforts last season. His fumble at the play the ball on the hour directly led to a Sharks try. It would be unfair to blame this effort on his $6 million Dragons deal but it will be the elephant in the room if his form doesn’t improve quickly.

4. TAUTAU MOGA IS A HANDY INVESTMENT

The former Cowboys centre joined the Broncos over summer on a basic contract and could prove one of the bargain buys of the season. At just 23, Moga has endured terrible luck, succumbing to three knee reconstructions, but the setbacks have not eroded his pace or confidence. In his Broncos debut, the 103kg giant moved well, soared high to defuse bombs and was a general menace out wide. His backline size is impressive.

5. BRISBANE’S BENCH ROTATION WORKED WELL

Question marks hover over their pack following the loss of Corey Parker and Jarrod Wallace but front-row recruit Korbin Sims toiled hard. The likes of Alex Glenn, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Herman Ese’ese and Jai Arrow lifted the tempo when they came off the bench to provide good support for Brisbane’s senior forwards.