Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm: Five things we learned

BRONCOS suffer a huge injury blow, referees will be the talk of the game yet again and Munster makes his Maroons case — here are the five things we learned from the Storm’s 34-20 win over Brisbane.

Cameron Munster

BRONCOS suffer a huge injury blow and referees will be the talk of the game yet again — here are the five things we learned from the Storm’s 34-20 win over Brisbane.

1 — THE Broncos have suffered a massive blow, with Andrew McCullough facing a stint on the sideline. The hooker — one of Brisbane’s best — was taken from the field in the second half with an elbow injury. Brisbane have no other specialist hookers, with young Redcliffe rake Jake Turpin (ankle) out, meaning Kodi Nikorima is the most likely to wear the No. 9 moving forward. But McCullough’s loss will be huge.

MATCH REPORT: Broncos suffer huge injury blow

Andrew McCullough leaves the field injured.

2 — THIS clash was as much about the rivalry in the coaching box as the one on the field and it was Craig Bellamy who walked away with the accolades yet again. In 33 meetings against Wayne Bennett, Bellamy has now won 23 games. While the Broncos did well to fight back, this latest loss will be a tough one for Bennett after growing speculation the Melbourne coach will replace him at Brisbane.

3 — DESPITE another thriller between these two sides, the referees will be the talk of the game yet again after a howler from Ashley Klein in the first half. Billy Slater was awarded a try off a “drop kick” according to Klein and the Bunker. However, it was clear Slater had simply accidentally dropped the ball, with the Melbourne fullback even admitting so. Expect to hear from referees boss Bernard Sutton on Saturday.

4 — TEVITA Pangai Jr has been benched for the last two weeks but this has nothing to do with his form. The 22-year-old is proving to be one of Brisbane’s best and most consistent this season. He was destructive with the ball, did not miss a single tackle and turned playmaker to set up a try for Alex Glenn. His impact alongside Joe Ofahengaue (134m) is proving a winner for Brisbane.

Tevita Pangai Junior in action for the Broncos.

5 — CAMERON Munster must wear the No. 6 jersey for Queensland this year. While there is still plenty of contention for the Maroons halfback role — with Ben Hunt the favourite — Munster has been outstanding for Melbourne. He showed he was an Origin player last year and his combinations with Cameron Smith and Billy Slater only strengthen his case.