Player ratings for Broncos victory over the Warriors

There was a fine line between triumph and tragedy in the low-scoring slugfest between Brisbane and the Warriors — until the Milf strolled in like he owned the joint. SEE WHO STARRED AND WHO STRUGGLED.

Milford proved he’s can do it when he puts his mind to it. Image: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

• Milford the man as Broncos outlast Warriors
• Warrior-tamer Haas is Origin ready

With the dim lights and Kiwis everywhere, it could have been a Surfers Paradise nightclub.

And just like most nights out on the glitter strip, there was a fine line between triumph and tragedy in the low-scoring slugfest between Brisbane and the New Zealand Warriors at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday night.

Until the Milf — Anthony Milford — strolled in like he owned the joint.

His darting run for the only try of the match handed Brisbane a hard-earned win that will be worth so much more than just two competition points because they had to dig so deep to claim them.

Whenever a commentator describes a match as an “arm wrestle”, “chess match”, “one for the purists” or “intriguing”, you know the contest wasn’t pretty.

But the way Brisbane tackled themselves to a standstill and hung tough would have been a thing of beauty for Broncos coach Anthony Seibold and his men.

It wasn’t the skipper’s best night. Image: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

DARIUS BOYD — 6.5

Solid from the skipper without anything particularly spectacular which is what you need in difficult conditions. Tried to inspire his troops with some big kick chases. Safe hands fielding kicks.

COREY OATES — 7

Ran for 135 metres and was one of only three Broncos to make a line break on the night. Did well given the lack of opportunities that came his way in the first half.

KOTONI STAGGS — 6.5

His high shot on Kodi Nikorima upset both teams because the former Bronco turned Warrior is a very popular guy. Made four tackle breaks but missed a team-high three tackles. Diffused a bomb at a critical time.

GEHAMAT SHIBASAKI — 6.5

Similar sort of night to Staggs as conditions did not suit outside backs. Three tackle breaks to go with three missed tackles on top of 14 tackles and 88 running metres.

JAMAYNE ISAAKO — 6

Peppered with high balls and had varying success. Quiet night in attack. Got bundled into touch with three tackles left in a set and the Broncos deep in attack. Long-range penalty goal on halftime was important.

Milford proved he’s can do it when he puts his mind to it. Image: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

ANTHONY MILFORD — 8

Always — ALWAYS — looks better when he runs the ball. Picked his moment beautifully to score the only try of the night when he left the tiring Warriors clutching at thin air. It was just his fourth run of the night but it counted. Kicked judiciously too.

TOM DEARDEN — 7.5

Stepped up and took on more responsibility with Brisbane’s kicking game. They didn’t always find their mark but this time last year he was working out what to wear to his school formal. Wasn’t scared to take on the New Zealand defensive line either with four tackle breaks and a line break.

MATT LODGE — 7.5

Another productive shift in the engine room. Made 25 tackles to go with 167 running metres (59 metres post-contact), two offloads, four tackle breaks and just one error that came the second after commentator Corey Parker talked him up. Often takes that tough first hit-up when the defensive line is set.

JAKE TURPIN — 6.5

Tackled like a demon (24 tackles) and provide plenty of creativity out of dummy-half. Nice passing game gave Broncos attack good width. Has given Seibold a headache when Andrew McCullough comes back.

It was a big night for the Broncos teenager. Image: AAP Image/David Rowland

PAYNE HAAS — 8.5

It took four Warriors to stop him in the first tackle of the match and was a handful for the next 79 minutes or so. Finished with 204 running metres (62 post contact) and had 35 tackles. It’s amazing how such a big unit has such a big engine. Brisbane needed the young fella to stand up and lead the way and he did. Should be a Blue.

ALEX GLENN — 8

Ripping game from the backrower. Went close to scoring twice and bent the Warriors defensive line with every carry. A team-high five tackle breaks, 95 running metres and 28 tackles. Cheers bro.

MATT GILLETT — 8

Warmed-up for Origin with a typical Matt Gillett sort of game. Forty tackles, 104 running metres, no errors. Finding some very nice form at the right time of the year. Was always going to take time to get right after some shocking luck with injuries.

Gillett was in the thick of it for Brisbane. Image: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

TEVITA PANGAI JNR — 6

NSW would not have been too heartbroken that he chose Tonga over the Cockroaches watching that. Had 77 metres and 21 tackles. Third-best player in his own backrow.

JAMES SEGEYARO — 6

Injected into the match after 55 minutes and was a safe pair of hands. Didn’t overplay things, couple of nice kicks, nine tackles, no misses. Steady-yaro.

DAVID FIFITA — 5.5

Three hit-ups, nine tackles. Not a lot of time on the field. Hardly the sort of output you’d expect from an Origin player either.

JOE OFAHENGAUE — 7.5

Should be in the Maroons 17. Another big impact off the bench. Rattled a few Warriors with some bell-ringing tackles. Had 109 metres and 21 tackles.

PATRICK CARRIGAN — 6

After 60 minutes of riding the pine, would have been thinking about what he was going to get at the duty free shop at the airport to make the trip worthwhile. Came out late (complete with ordinary moustache) and had six busy hit-ups and some strong defence.