Five things we learned from Brisbane’s 9-7 golden point win over Wests Tigers

A NEW Brisbane star has been born, the playmakers still have some work to do and a mixed bag from a big money recruit. It’s all here in the five things we learned from Tigers-Broncos.

Jamayne Isaako of the Broncos kicks the winning goal with a penalty in extra time against the Tigers during the Round 3 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Brisbane Broncos at Campbelltown Stadium in Sydney, Friday, March 23, 2018. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

A NEW Brisbane star has been born, the playmakers still have some work to do and a mixed bag from a big money recruit. It’s all here in the five things we learned from Tigers-Broncos.

1) YOUNG STAR

The Broncos have unearthed another young star in Jamayne Isaako. In just his fourth NRL game, he landed a 78th-minute penalty goal to level scores at 6-all, then kicked a field goal 60 seconds later to give Brisbane a 7-6 lead.

Then, in extra time, he kicked the matchwinning penalty to score all of Brisbane’s nine points.

At 21, he is off-contract. The Broncos must sign him quickly.

Isaako scored every point for the Broncos.

2) SPINE NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

Brisbane’s playmaking spine needs major improvement. The Broncos failed to score a try in 87 minutes of football.

Kodi Nikorima, Anthony Milford, Andrew McCullough and Darius Boyd are lacking cohesion and need to forge a better understanding to help the Broncos build pressure in attack.

3) BIRD DOESN’T TAKE FLIGHT

Broncos recruit Jack Bird has a long way to go to justify his $800,000 price tag.

The NSW Origin utility had a mixed night against the Wests Tigers, but he will be relieved to come through unscathed in his return from a shoulder reconstruction.

Bird was largely quiet at left centre, making three handling errors, and needs to drop a few kilos to regain his attacking zip out wide.

Milford produced another mixed bag.

4) MORE INJURIES

The Broncos paid a heavy price with injuries to Corey Oates (hip) and Tevita Pangai Jr (hamstring).

The former Maroons winger injured his hip in the 23rd minute, while Pangai Jr limped off one minute after halftime.

Both are unlikely to face the Titans in next week’s Queensland derby.

5) BOPPERS BASH IT OUT

The front-row battle between bad boys Matt Lodge and Russell Packer was a highlight.

Lodge was outstanding, running fearlessly as he amassed 145 metres, more than holding his own against Packer (119m), who regularly made a beeline for the Broncos prop.