NRL 2020: Brisbane Broncos trial shows who has the edge in fullback shootout
A clear favourite has emerged in the race for the Broncos’ No. 1 jersey while a young back is putting pressure on Darius Boyd for his centre spot. See who rated well in Brisbane’s trial loss to the Cowboys.
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THE Broncos may not have left Cairns with a win, but there is still plenty to celebrate from their trial clash with the Cowboys.
North Queensland claimed two late tries to steal an 18-16 victory at Barlow Park on Saturday night, but Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold was far from disappointed with his team’s effort.
Anthony Milford and Brodie Croft showed plenty of promise with their combination while Jack Bird and Jamayne Isaako got 40 minutes each to press their claims for the No. 1 jersey.
Here’s how we rated the performances.
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1. JACK BIRD
On this kind of form, lock him in for the fullback spot for the real stuff in Round 1. Bird was involved from the outset and has regained the attacking zip of his matchwinning years at the Sharks. Played the opening 40 minutes and will only get better with more match fitness.
RATING: 7.5
2. HERBIE FARNWORTH
Another solid showing from the Englishman. The rookie winger had a good Nines tournament and has backed up with another impressive trial hitout. His match highlight came after halftime when he scorched down the touchline and positioned Anthony Milford perfectly for a 60-metre try.
RATING: 7
3. KOTONI STAGGS
Played only 40 minutes and showed glimpses he is running into explosive form. Early on, he appeared to suffer a knock to the foot he injured in pre-season, but after receiving medical treatment, he was back on his feet. Produced a scything run in the 37th minute, beating four Cowboys, and was within metres of a sublime solo try before the ball inexplicably spewed free from his grasp.RATING: 7
4. JESSE ARTHARS
Beware Darius Boyd, Jesse’s on your hammer. The Titans recruit reeks of class and he showed that against the Cowboys. He had a double after just 28 minutes, running off clever balls from Anthony Milford on both occasions. In the second half, he produced a classy offload that released Farnworth for Milford’s try. Boyd has the first crack at left centre but if he fails to fire, Arthars is a handy Plan B.
RATING: 8
5. XAVIER COATES
Welcome to first grade, Xavier. Coates is only a baby at 18 and he learned the hard way in the third minute when he spilled a bomb he should have caught. From the ensuing set, the Cowboys scored down his wing when Connelly Lemuelu crashed past him. Will be better for the run. RATING: 5
6. ANTHONY MILFORD
The best player on the park. From the outset, the trimmer Milford looked sharp and slick, posting two try-assists in the first 28 minutes. Full of running, he showed his fitness in the 52nd minute when he backed up Terry Lamb-style to take Farnworth’s pass and streak away to score. Consistency is Milford’s problem, but if plays like this every week this year, he will be a Dally M Medal contender.
RATING: 9
7. BRODIE CROFT
May not be a world-beater to some but he could be the perfect yin for Milford’s yang. Took control of Brisbane’s attack from the opening minutes, highlighted by his perfectly timed ball which allowed Milford to release Arthars in the ninth minute. Kicked well in the wet and made some handy solo runs before being replaced at halftime. A good start.
RATING: 7.5
8. TEVITA PANGAI JNR
The injury to Matt Lodge has increased the responsibility for TPJ. Looked hungry in the early minutes and made a number of bruising runs before moving to the edge later in the game.
RATING: 7
9. JAKE TURPIN
Will soon become Brisbane’s Mr Reliable at dummy half. Patrolled the rucks well and produced a number of stinging shots on much bigger Cowboys forwards. Didn’t play the full game but is fast becoming the energetic heartbeat of the side with his commitment.
RATING: 7.5
10. PAYNE HAAS
A beast of a talent. The Cowboys defenders must have thought they were tackling a runaway rhino. A monster of a man at 117kg who is simply impossible to halt at the advantage line when he gets going. Produced one barnstorming run which perfectly laid the platform for Arthars’ second try in the 28th minute before coach Seibold placed him in cotton wool.
RATING: 7
11. ALEX GLENN
The new skipper only lasted 15 minutes before being taken off after reporting some hamstring tightness. Glenn suffered a hamstring strain which ruled him out of the NRL Nines and the Broncos were taking no risks in a trial. Seibold said Glenn’s hamstring is only sore, not injured, and he will be considered for next week’s trial against the Titans. Almost scored a superb early try when he caught a Milford kick at speed, only to fumble inches from the tryline.
RATING: 3
12. ETHAN BULLEMOR
Young prop toiled well and ran out of steam in the last 15 minutes as the quality trial tested his youth. Moved to the edge when Glenn was injured and held his own considering he is a middle forward.
RATING: 6
13. PATRICK CARRIGAN
Groomed to be the next Corey Parker and is playing like Brisbane’s ironman. Relished the early exchanges and was heavily involved during his time on the park. Lodge’s injury has opened the door for Carrigan to start and he won’t let the side down with his tireless displays.
RATING: 8
INTERCHANGE
The Broncos used a nine man bench but here are the four standouts.
14. JAMAYNE ISAAKO
Locked in a shootout with Jack Bird for the No. 1 jumper and his grip on the fullback spot is slipping. Got his chance in the second half but never really took it as the Cowboys fought back to win. Bird outshone him in this trial.
RATING: 5
18. CORY PAIX
Replaced Jake Turpin in the second half and looks very bit an NRL hooker. A playmaker as a junior, the Broncos have converted Paix into a hooker and he has the cocktail of smarts and speed to be a real weapon when he gets his big break. A solid hitout.
RATING: 6
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19. TOM FLEGLER
Continued his impressive NRL Nines tournament with a committed display. Ran the ball with vigour and refused to come off even when he required strapping to a minor head gash. Relishes the tough stuff and looks more mature after his rookie campaign last year.
RATING: 7
20. JOE OFAHENGAUE
Needs a big year to repay the club for his recent off-field drama. The Queensland Origin prop made an impact when he came onto the field with the aggressive runs that secured him a Maroons debut last year. Looks fit and will have to be on guard with so much competition for forward spots.
RATING: 6.5
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