Broncos blank Queensland rivals as stunning whitewash says it all

The Brisbane Broncos came into the round with plenty of questions after their early struggles — they responded emphatically.

The Broncos stay on top of the ladder. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The Brisbane Broncos have answered some of the questions hanging over their heads, bouncing back from their first loss of the season in a 43-26 win over the Gold Coast Titans.

The Broncos went to the break down on the scoreboard but bounced back with 33 points in a remarkable second half.

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Speaking on The Late Show With Matty Johns on Thursday night, Johns called out the Broncos over their past collapses.

Last season, the Broncos were fighting for a top four spot in round 19 but after thumping the Eels 36-14 in Sydney, lost five of their last six and missed the finals by a single place.

“A big game for them this week because we’ve seen before, the Broncos have played great football but when they come through a tough stretch, (it’s about) coming through the other side,” he said.

Johns extrapolated more in his Daily Telegraph column this week, writing: “I’ve stated that I’ll believe Brisbane can win the comp when they experience a few losses in a row, and come through the other side.

“In recent seasons, no team has capitulated so spectacularly, like the Broncos.”

The Titans’ David Fifta had 173m against his former club. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Johns tipped the Titans for the clash but the Broncos have showed what they’re truly made of.

A week after the club’s first loss of the season to the Canberra Raiders, the Broncos looked as though they would follow Johns’ script.

Just before halftime, the Titans led 14-6 — until a Reece Walsh charge down saw Herbie Farnworth streak away for a long-distance try to make it 14-10 at the break.

The second half however, the Broncos were at their ruthless best, scoring four answered tries.

The Titans scored two late tries, broken up by another Broncos score and a field goal to keep the score closer on the scoreboard.

It’s the first time since 2016 the Broncos have had a 6-1 record as they sit alone atop the NRL ladder for another week.

That ending might just be a nice little “jolt” for the Broncos. Simple is best. Play percentages. #NRLTitansBroncos

— Michael Atkinson (@kinson88) April 15, 2023

The Broncos with the 3-0 Queensland sweep.#NRLBroncos#PhinsUp

— Dane Lillingstone (@Dane_ML) April 15, 2023

Reece Walsh is a near certainty for Origin. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Reece Walsh put his hand up for a Maroons jersey, whether or not Kalyn Ponga is available for the first State of Origin match with another starring performance.

Walsh scored a try, had six tackle busts, two line breaks, two offloads, two try assists and was once again a handful every time he touched the ball.

Remarkably, he only ran for 115m in his 15 runs when it seemed like he had the ball on a string.

In a good sign for Queensland Origin selectors, Selwyn Cobbo had 161m from 14 runs and Patrick Carrigan had 15 runs for 170m, while the Blues will be happy Payne Haas ran for 169m in his 17 runs.