5 things we learned from Brisbane’s thumping 50-18 victory over Penrith

TEVITA Pangai Jr was the star for Brisbane in their big win over the Panthers and the big forward is the key man for the Broncos heading into the final series. Here’s five things we learned from the 50-18 win over Penrith.

Tevita Pangai of the Broncos celebrates after scoring a try during the Round 19 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Friday, July 20, 2018. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

TEVITA Pangai Jr was the star for Brisbane in their big win over the Panthers and the big forward is the key man for the Broncos heading into the final series.

Here’s five things we learned from the 50-18 win over Penrith.

SMASHED: Broncos belt Panthers

ROBBED: Raiders dudded in the Shire

1) TEVITA Pangai Jr proved why the Broncos so desperately need him.

After missing last week’s 26-6 loss to the Warriors with a hamstring strain, Pangai Jr returned with a bang against the Panthers — and he only played 31 minutes.

He scored two tries, one of which came off the back of his own incredible strength as he beat five defenders to get the ball down.

Brisbane need to lock in his next contract immediately.

LISTEN! Nick Campton and Tim Williams celebrate length of the field intercept tries, compare two top shelf Rabbitohs sides and preview all of the Round 19 action.

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2) WHAT Brisbane still need to show this season is week-to-week consistency.

After a rollercoaster last three weeks, it is important they go into next week’s game against the Sharks without taking a backwards step like they did after their 34-0 win over the Titans two weeks ago.

3) THE first half was the best 40 minutes the Broncos have played all season.

They had a 95 per cent completion rate, with their first error not coming until the 36th minute when Matt Lodge was pulled up for an incorrect play-the-ball.

Their attack was free-flowing as Kodi Nikorima put in his strongest performance of the season.

They lost a bit of a spark after halftime but there were plenty of promising signs for the weeks ahead.

Brisbane played some of their best footy of the season. AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

4) JAMAYNE Isaako handled the pressure of his move to fullback with ease.

He performed well under the high ball, ran strongly and looked in control.

His defence was not greatly tested by Penrith, while Darius Boyd also did not look out of place at centre.

However, there will be some concern for the young gun who appeared to struggle with a leg injury throughout the second half.

Consistency is the key for the young Broncos. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

5) MATT Lodge was moved to the bench before kick-off in what appears to be a masterstroke by Wayne Bennett.

He ran for 170m, made three tackle busts, 20 tackles and scored a try in the dying minutes. It was his best performance of the season and has shown the kind of impact he can bring.