5 things we learned from Brisbane’s 34-30 loss to North Queensland

BRISBANE can’t win the premiership after another North Queensland melt down. Here’s five things we learned from the 34-30 thriller in Townsville.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA — AUGUST 09: Anthony Milford of the Broncos warms up before the start of the round 22 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos at 1300 SMILES Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

BRISBANE’S grand final drought seems certain to stretch on for at least one more year after another North Queensland melt down.

Here’s five things we learned from the 34-30 thriller in Townsville.

AGAIN: Thurston sticks the knife into Brisbane

THRILLER: Cowboys step away from the wooden spoon

1) Brisbane can’t win the premiership. They will likely make the finals but they be will cannon fodder against big guns Souths and Melbourne.

Their first-half completion rate was disgraceful at 46 per cent and you can’t leak win premierships leaking 34 points. They are too erratic.

Hess grabbed the winner in the 78th minute. AAP Image/Michael Chambers.

2) Johnathan Thurston tormented the Broncos once again. In his 31st and final derby, the Cowboys champion had one last ace up his sleeve, slotting the 77th-minute grubber kick for Coen Hess’ matchwinner.

3) Jason Taumalolo and Jordan McLean monstered the Broncos. The Cowboys hulks ran for a staggering 426 metres combined, with McLean making 163m and Taumalolo amassed 263m as he charged like a freight-train.

4) The $2 million bunker is really hard to like. Cowboys legend Thurston showed his frustration in a heated conversation with referee Grant Atkins following the dreadful decision to allow a Matt Lodge try despite a clear obstruction in the lead-up.

The Broncos seem certain to miss out on the premiership. Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images.

5) Broncos warhorse Sam Thaiday had a heartbreaking finish in his 300th NRL game. He made a superb tackle late in the game, but was left to rue Brisbane’s poor ball control and lack of desperation in the final quarter.