Broncos v Panthers player ratings: Who starred, who struggled?

BRISBANE kept their season alive with a 13-6 win over Penrith — check out who starred and who struggled for the Broncos and Panthers.

Panthers forward Isaah Yeo is tackled by Broncos halfback Benji Marshall.

BRISBANE overcame a growing injury count to beat Penrith 13-6 in their knockout NRL semi-final at Suncorp Stadium.

Check out who starred and who struggled for the Broncos and Panthers in our player ratings.

BRONCOS

1. Kodi Nikorima 6

Threw a nice pass to James Roberts and always looked good when he was involved. Penrith targeted him with kicks, but Nikorima stood up.

2. Corey Oates 4

Close to the best on the field in the opening stages but a concussion ended his night early.

3. James Roberts 7

A very tidy performance. Shut down Peachey and scored a great try, hitting the ball with truly terrifying speed.

4. Tautau Moga 6

Stood tall in defence, especially after Oates went off, and did his fair share of work.

Corey Oates is treated by medical staff after being injured.

5. Jordan Kahu 5

A couple of nice touches but didn’t see much clean ball.

6. Anthony Milford 6

Always looked likely but some wayward passes and loose carries cost him. Defended well amid heavy pressure, especially under pressure from Harawira-Naera.

7. Benji Marshall 5

A mixed bag, but kicked well when it counted and was tenacious in defence. Had one magical run where he almost summoned the magic of the past.

8. Sam Thaiday 6

A bad miss on Campbell-Gillard was the sole blemish on one of his best games of the season before a concussion ended his night early.

9. Ben Hunt 8

Threw a great pass for Corey Oates’ try and had the best defensive game of his career. A great way for his career at Suncorp to end.

10. Adam Blair 6

Rebounded after a rough game last week. Did all the Adam Blair things he’s known for — pressuring the kicker and leading the defensive line.

11. Alex Glenn 6

Continued his renaissance on the left edge. Played like it was 2011 again.

12. Matt Gillett 6

Had a shocker in the first half, missing a number of one-on-one tackles, but turned it around in the second. Took it upon himself to carry the ball out from Brisbane’s end.

Matt Gillett missed s number of one-on-one tackles. Pics Adam Head

13. Josh McGuire 8

Another huge performance, particularly late in the match. Showed great footwork and led the defensive line from the go.

14. David Mead 6

Played far more minutes than expected and didn’t put a foot wrong. Worked hard, defended well and was safe as houses under the high ball amid heavy pressure.

15. Jai Arrow 1

Concussed shortly after he came on.

16. Joe Ofahengaue 6

Provided some real impact off the bench and carried the ball with venom. Has been an underrated contributor in recent weeks.

17. Herman Ese’ese 6

See Ofahengaue, Joe. In his final game at Suncorp he brought the pain with every touch.

Total: 98

PANTHERS

1. Dylan Edwards 6

Tried to spark Penrith as best he could but clearly still a little underdone. Had a chance to nab a late try but was outjumped by Nikorima.

2. Josh Mansour 8

Worked like a dog, carrying the ball into the Brisbane defenders time and again. His best game since returning from injury.

3. Tyrone Peachey 5

Well contained by Roberts from start to finish.

4. Dean Whare 5

Made a great break that led to Penrith’s only try but was otherwise well contained.

5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6

Worked in tandem with Mansour and Edwards, driving Penrith in Brisbane’s half time and again.

Josh Mansour had since best game since returning from injury. Pics Adam Head

6. Tyrone May 3

Had a couple of nice touches but a knee injury finished him up before halftime.

7. Nathan Cleary 5

Lacked playmaking support once Penrith went off. For the first time in a while, he looked like a 20-year old, but kicked well throughout.

8. James Tamou 5

Penrith would have expected more from their marquee purchase, as they would have for much of the season.

9. Peter Wallace 5

Toiled away but lacked a little spark.

10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 9

As good a game as he’s played, and he’s played some rippers lately. Close to the best player on the field.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard was superb for the Panthers. Picture: Adam Head

11. Corey Harawira-Naera 4

Started well, but made some basic errors and his discipline got the better of him. A flat ending to a strong season.

12. Isaah Yeo 5

Didn’t stand out.

13. Trent Merrin 7

One of his better games in a difficult season. Footwork and offloads were on show.

14. Sione Katoa 4

Didn’t see many minutes but looked OK when he was out there.

Panthers player Isaah Yeo and Bryce Cartwright after losing to the Broncos.

15. Bryce Cartwright 3

Pushed into the halves but doesn’t look fully fit. Moved gingerly and put in a foolish chip kick that blew Penrith’s last chance.

16. Moses Leota 3

Little impact but tackled well.

17. James Fisher-Harris 4

Has gone off the boil somewhat this year. Ran hard but couldn’t really bend the line.

Total: 86

Originally published as Broncos v Panthers player ratings: Who starred, who struggled?