Broncos player ratings: Who stood up, who struggled v Rabbitohs?

A vast majority of the Brisbane squad put in a lacklustre and listless performance as the rampaging Rabbitohs hopped away with a 38-6 demolition of the battling Broncos.

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Of all the things that 18-year-old Tom Dearden did in his solid NRL debut for the Broncos on Thursday night, the standout aspect for the young halfback was that he embarrassed many of his teammates with his effort, energy and enthusiasm.

Teenagers in their first game in the big time are not supposed to be the best player in the team.

But a vast majority of the Brisbane squad put in a lacklustre and listless performance as the rampaging Rabbitohs hopped away with a 38-6 demolition of the battling Broncos.

DARIUS BOYD — 5

Copped a wicked bounce for one of Cody Walker’s first half tries but the other four-pointer from a kick for the Bunnies five-eighth showcased just how Boyd has lost a yard or two of pace. He should have got to the ball and diffused the situation. Handled the high balls well but is way off the boil. Playing like a bloke in his last season. They say attitude is a reflection of leadership …

Darius Boyd and the Broncos had a tough night out against the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty Images

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COREY OATES — 5

Massively mixed night. Ran for a team-high 159 metres, made three tackle busts and scored a try against Souths for the eighth-straight game. BUT … he made five errors, got tackled over the sideline on the first tackle of a set and bombed a try when all he had to do was catch the ball.

JAMES ROBERTS — 4

Gave Brisbane plenty of reasons to release him but Souths might not be that keen to take the disinterested “Jet” after he missed four tackles, gave away a penalty and made a handling error. Shocking defensive read to allow Kyle Turner to score. Was a great impersonation of a turnstile to sum up his dirty old night

JACK BIRD — 6

One of the few to genuinely have a go. Engaged in a tough battle all night with Dane Gagai and finished with 14 tackles and 104 running metres from 11 charges with eight tackle breaks. Would be nice to see him straighten up at times instead of following the old Michael Hancock cross-field route

Jack Bird was one of Brisbane’s better performers. Picture: Getty Images

JAMAYNE ISAAKO — 5

Had limited opportunities in general play (he was playing outside Roberts) but ran the ball back strongly with 106 running metres and four tackle breaks.

ANTHONY MILFORD — 6.5

Provided a perfect ball for a try assist for Rabbitohs halfback Adam Reynolds when the Broncos had numbers on the short side. Didn’t run enough — five runs for 52 metres — but his kicking game was handy and threw a lovely pass to Oates for Brisbane’s only try.

TOM DEARDEN — 7

Could have been mistaken for a ball boy he looked so young and fresh-faced. Has to be happy with his debut. Threw a couple of nice passes, took on the line four times for 43 running metres and two tackle breaks, and threw himself into his defensive work. Didn’t look overwhelmed and had a red-hot crack. Was thrown under the bus a few times when he turned around and had NO ballrunners supporting him. Was also the only Bronco to chase Reynolds. He’s a keeper.

Tom Dearden had a crack on his NRL debut for the Broncos. Picture: AAP

MATT LODGE — 4

Part of the Broncos pack that was dominated by Burgess Brothers and Co. Made 32 tackles but just seven hit-ups for 69 metres. Showed a flicker of aggression in the second half but was far too little, far too late. Brisbane needed much more from him.

ANDREW MCCULLOUGH — 6.5

Rediscovered his running game that can go so missing that Indiana Jones couldn’t find it. But his four runs for 63 metres, three tackle breaks and one linebreak had an impact, One charge gave Brisbane the momentum for their only try of the night. Made 54 tackles too.

PAYNE HAAS — 6.5

The only Broncos forward to run for over 100 metres (122). Strong carries early when the heat was on and finished with 12 hit-ups and made 34 tackles. Showed up Lodge. It’s a shame he is eligible for NSW.

ALEX GLENN — 5

Not a great night for the veteran. Missed five tackles and had six hit-ups for 60 metres. Very beige sort of display. This young pack needs more leadership through actions and those actions have to come from blokes like Glenn

MATT GILLETT — 5

Like Glenn, had little impact in an unmemorable night. Twenty-three tackles and 60-odd running metres. Meh.

TEVITA PANGAI JNR — 4

When Pangai and his manager ask for $1 million a year with his new contract, Broncos CEO Paul White should respond with “one million, one schmillion”. Wasn’t that game against the Cowboys a flash in the pan? Made 29 tackles, missed four. Nine hit-ups for 63 metres. Got owned by Sam Burgess who gave Pangai a brutal and up-close lesson on what a million dollar forward does — EVERY WEEK.

Tevita Pangai had another quiet night for the Broncos. Picture: AAP

DAVID FIFITA — 4

Got limited opportunities which is a shame because the tape around the head is a look that rugby league needs to bring back ASAP. Has been the subject of Origin chat but got rookie minutes and squeezed in 13 tackles and four hit-ups.

TOM FLEGLER — 4

Has been likened to Shane Webcke but showed off some fancy footwork that was never part of Webby’s tool kit (which had one tool — run really straight and really hard all day). Like Fifita, not a heap of chances with 16 tackles and 32 running metres from three hit-ups.

JOE OFAHENGAUE — 6

Had genuine impact off the bench. The only Bronco to do so. Sam Burgess belted the living daylights out of him to force an error but he responded with a crunching tackle of his own to get the ball back. Nine hit-ups for 80 metres.

PATRICK CARRIGAN — 5

Thrown in late. Had a good crack with six hit-ups in limited time but got monstered a few times by those big, bad Bunnies forwards. In the same boat as Fifita and Flegler in terms of opportunities.

Originally published as Broncos player ratings: Who stood up, who struggled v Rabbitohs?