Broncos v Warriors: Five things we learned

If there was any doubt left, Payne Haas’s handling of the Warriors proved the Broncos teenager is good for State of Origin. Here’s what else we learned from the Broncos gritty win.

NSW can’t ignore Payne Haas now. Image: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

• Milford the man as Broncos outlast Warriors
• Cowboys’ upset a win for Maroons

1. Broncos teenager Payne Haas has to be given his NSW Origin debut. He may have played just 10 games but the 118kg prop was outstanding in an Origin-style slugfest. Haas stood up to the Warriors monsters, charging for a sensational 204 metres. He is ready to take on Queensland.

2. Anthony Milford has given Queensland coach Kevin Walters food for thought in the battle for the Queensland No.14 jumper. Milford’s 60th minute solo try was just the type of play that could bust an Origin game open. Walters will be relieved that fellow Maroons hopefuls Corey Oates, Matt Gillett, Joe Ofahengaue and David Fifita came through unscathed.

Has Milford done enough for Origin selection? Image: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

3. Broncos hooker Jake Turpin typifies Brisbane’s superb defence. The Warriors should have scored at least four tries but Brisbane’s tryline desperation was incredibly brave. The Broncos have now gone 152 minutes without conceding a try — and Turpin does the grunt work superbly in midfield.

Jake Turpin does the job on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Image: AAP Image/David Rowland

4. Tom Dearden is showing remarkable composure for an 18-year-old halfback. In just his fourth NRL game, Dearden produced some handy touches and almost scored in the first half with a dangerous dart. He held his own against veteran rival Blake Green.

5. Warriors pivot Kodi Nikorima was solid in his first game against his former club. The unwanted Bronco was largely well contained but made one superb dummy-half burst in the second half that almost led to a Warriors try.