Brisbane score remarkable 28-22 win over Sydney Roosters in best match of the year
A REMARKABLE try in the final minutes to Jamayne Isaako has delivered Brisbane a 28-22 win over the Sydney Roosters in an instant classic.
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JAMES Roberts has made an irresistible case for his NSW debut, as he and Jamayne Isaako lit up Suncorp Stadium in a stunning 28-22 victory over the Roosters.
While many eyes were on the battle for the Queensland No. 9 jersey between Andrew McCullough and Jake Friend, it was the showdown in the centres between Roberts and Latrell Mitchell that proved the most thrilling clash of the night.
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Mitchell looked to be the early winner in the contest for a Blues jersey — setting up Luke Keary for two tries — but Roberts had the last laugh after he produced a miracle play to help Brisbane claim the upset victory.
With just seven minutes left on the clock and the Roosters in front 22-16, the Brisbane flyer raced 70m and beat five defenders to help equal the scores.
Five minutes later, winger Isaako turned up the heat in a similar way, darting his way to the line to hand the Broncos the win.
Mitchell’s early form could have given Roberts reason to hang his head, but he responded in the perfect way at a time when his side needed it the most.
Coach Wayne Bennett praised Roberts for his ability to “not let his demons get to him” after missing a tackle earlier that led to one of Keary’s tries.
He said NSW coach Brad Fittler would be “crazy” to overlook him for Origin.
“James did what only James can do,” he said.
“That’s why he’s here ... It was incredible that try.
“He just wasted them all in the end.
“I don’t think Brad Fittler’s that crazy that he didn’t see what happened tonight.
“(Roberts) is much more mature than he was. He held it together mentally.
“The character was in the fact he didn’t let his demons get to him.”
Brisbane fielded the second youngest team in the NRL this weekend, but showed that their youth was no hurdle.
They went into the match at Suncorp Stadium as outsiders and at times it seemed that no matter how brave they were or how much they threw at the Roosters, the experience of the
Sydney side may have won.
But with the final magic from Roberts and Isaako, plus stunning performances from Tevita Pangai Jr and Joe Ofahengaue in the forward pack, it was the Baby Broncos that claimed it.
Young Wellington product Kotoni Staggs also made a memorable debut, after he was called onto the field earlier than expected to replace centre Tom Opacic (concussion).
Within four minutes, he set up winger Corey Oates for Brisbane’s first try of the night and then claimed a four-pointer of his own in the 30th minute.
The Broncos believe he is one of the most naturally instinctive players they have had at the club in recent years and it certainly showed when he had his chances.
Brisbane looked more energised than they have in weeks and showed on multiple occasions that they were up for the fight against the Roosters.
The only concerns out of the match are Opacic and forward Korbin Sims, who had a tough night at the office.
Sims was knocked out in the 75th minute by Roosters forward Dylan Napa, but had earlier suffered an ankle injury and was also already bleeding from the head.
Napa was put on report for the incident and sent to the sin bin, which could be concerning for the Queensland Origin team.
BRISBANE 28 (J Isaako 2 C Oates J Roberts K Staggs tries J Isaako 4 goals) bt SYDNEY ROOSTERS 22 (L Keary 2 B Cordner I Liu tries L Mitchell 3 goals) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Gerard Sutton. Crowd: 29,009
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