5 things we learned from Brisbane’s heartbreaking 14-12 loss to Melbourne

THE Broncos have the defensive hunger to win the competition and Billy Slater is back. Here’s five things we learned from the Broncos 14-12 defeat against Melbourne.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — MARCH 16: Cooper Cronk of the Melbourne Storm is tackled by Anthony Milford of the Broncos and falls just short of the try line during the round three NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on March 16, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

THE Broncos have the defensive hunger to win the competition and Billy Slater is back.

Here’s five things we learned from the Broncos 14-12 defeat against Melbourne.

1) Billy Slater can be great again. Playing his first NRL game in 374 days after two shoulder operations, Slater was in everything last night.

The Maroons maestro still moves like a gazelle and one of the key facets of his game — his supreme fitness — remains intact. He went perilously close to scoring in the 66th minute.

Yes, he made a couple of errors and tried too hard at times, but when the rust is shaved away, Slater can return as an Origin force.

Billy Slater made a strong return from injury.

2) Brisbane have the defensive hunger to win the competition.

Two years ago, Brisbane made more than 400 tackles to produce a famous win at AAMI Park.

It was nearly Groundhog Day on Friday. The Broncos had every right to claim victory. Melbourne peppered the Brisbane Line, having 45 tackles to eight in the red zone, but somehow the Broncos stayed in the contest. This defeat can shape a season.

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3) Matt Gillett is arguably the best back-rower in the game.

The Maroons ace was everywhere for the Broncos, chasing inside balls and cleaning up whenever the Storm threatened to score.

He finished with 44 tackles and there was no better effort than his 72nd minute trysaver on Jesse Bromwich which deserved to be a matchwinning play.

The key for Hunt is running the ball.

4) Ben Hunt has found the formula to success — running the ball.

Hunt is infinitely more dangerous when he takes the line on and he showed that in the 49th minute when he speared through the Melbourne defence.

Hunt and Anthony Milford were largely well-contained but the stocky Brisbane No. 7 is dangerous when he plays direct.

5) Jordan McLean is going to be one heck of a signing for the Cowboys.

It is testament to McLean’s talent that the 195cm giant dominated the star-studded Broncos pack.

The Storm enforcer produced some bruising charges and offloaded almost at will.

McLean battled hamstring problems in his early years at Melbourne but if he stays fit, he will become an Origin player in Townsville.

Originally published as 5 things we learned from Brisbane’s heartbreaking 14-12 loss to Melbourne