Five things we learned: It was the result this rivalry needed

It’s been a one-sided rivalry between the Broncos and their little brothers from down the highway, so the upset victory was exactly what this grudge match needed, writes GREG DAVIS.

Anthony Milford of the Broncos reacts following the Round 13 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 9, 2019. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

It’s been a one-sided rivalry between the Broncos and their little brothers from down the highway, so the upset victory was exactly what this grudge match needed, writes GREG DAVIS. Check out that and the other things we learned here.

Tyrone Roberts (middle) celebrates a try with Nathan Peats and Tyrone Peachey. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

1. We needed this result

The rivalry between the Broncos and Titans needed that Gold Coast victory. Before yesterday’s clash, the Broncos had won 19 of the 25 south-east Queensland derbies. Kicking sand in the face of little brother had become an all-too-regular occurrence for Brisbane who were red-hot favourites to beat the strife-hit Titans. But the Broncos were decidedly lacklustre and gotpunished accordingly.

Jake Turpin proved he can shift around the field. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

2. Turpin is a gun all over the place

Attitude and intent was a problem for a lot of Broncos players but Jake Turpin was most certainly not one of them. Was forced from hooker to halfback following the ankle injury to Tom Dearden and provided what’s become a typical wholehearted and livewire effort. Scored a nice try with clever footwork and tackled with no thought of self-preservation. He’s a keeper.

The crowd was up and about at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

3. Let us worship on Sunday

How good is Sunday arvo footy? The dry conditions ensure the standard of football is better. The timeslot allows more families to get along to the game. It also meant that Titans fans were able to head up the M1 to create a good atmosphere. The Broncos scream for more Sunday games but it falls on deaf ears at the NRL. The Thursday night and early Friday night timeslots arejust no good for anyone.

Jarrod Wallace makes a break for it after intercepting a kick. Picture: Jono Searle/Getty Images

4. Wallace the leader of the pack

Titans prop Jarrod Wallace had hands like feet early when he couldn’t catch a cold but he recovered well to finish with agame-high 226 running metres and 19 tackles to remind Queensland selectors he is still around if required down the track in this year’s Origin series. Was the leader of a dominant Gold Coast pack that set up the win which was full of character. Somethingto really build on.

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5. Origin takes its toll on Broncos

Different year, same problem. The Origin period has always taken its toll on Brisbane who were without Maroons Matt Gillett and Corey Oates while young forwards Payne Haas and David Fifita backed up admirably but were understandably not as sharp as they usually are. At least they had an excuse, a lot of their teammates who had a fortnight between matches looked well off the pace.

Originally published as Five things we learned: It was the result this rivalry needed