Haas, Carrigan lead way as Broncos demolish Roosters

Trent Robinson has refused to buy into the doom-and-gloom headlines about his Sydney Roosters and how they might struggle this year after farewelling so many stars at the end of last year, not to mention the talent now unavailable because of injuries or suspension.

Robinson was optimistic before Thursday’s opener against the Brisbane Broncos, and even declared to the press: “It’s up to us to show what we’ve got right from the start.” So imagine how Robinson must have felt at full-time when the scoreboard inside Allianz Stadium read 50-14.

Imagine how the Roosters’ supporters must have felt? No club has ever conceded 50 points and gone on to win the premiership that season. So, book your September holidays to Europe now, Chooks fans.

Everyone knew life without Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Luke Keary, Joey Manu, Joseph Suaalii, Sitili Tupouniua and Terell May, the injured Brandon Smith and Sam Walker, and suspended Spencer Leniu – a grand total of 1278 NRL games – was always going to sting.

But the Chooks are in for a long year if they produce similar football to what they did on this Thursday night.

To make matters worse, they lost Victor Radley to a concussion early in the first half – his sixth in four seasons – while Angus Crichton was placed on report for hitting Brisbane recruit Ben Hunt after he had kicked.

Take nothing away from Michael Maguire’s Broncos because they were amazing. And enjoyable. It was like watching the Broncos when they were brimming with confidence and playing ad-lib football in the back half of the 2023 season.

One of their tries in the 53rd minute went 55m, featured eight players and 11 passes.

Payne Haas in action against the Roosters.Credit: Getty Images

In contrast, the Roosters only moments earlier somehow botched a four-on-one effort close to the line.

The Broncos had a charter flight back to Queensland late Thursday and would not have had time to celebrate their first outing.

Pat Carrigan punched out more than 50 minutes in his opening stint in the front row, while skipper Adam Reynolds had the ball on a string.

The Roosters own No. 7, Chad Townsend, was only ever bought to the club as a backup playmaker, but will need to quickly click with five-eighth Sandon Smith, who scored a try, but was caught out defensively on more than one occasion.

The Chooks travel to Penrith next Friday. There are no easy games when you have lost so much star power.

Pat Carrigan and Payne Haas finished the night with a combined 411 run metres. A truly dominant display.

In contrast (and with fewer minutes played), Roosters starting pros Linsday Collins and Naufahu Whyte combined for 137 metres.

Lindsay Collins was going nowhere on this play.Credit: Getty Images

Broncos fans will have wanted that to go forever. Some Roosters fans will be looking for something else to do on next weekend. Folks, that’s it and what a thrashing it was. Brisbane were worth every bit of their 50-14 win. For new coach Michael Maguire, it’s a dream start. For his opposite number Trent Robinson, it’s a nightmare.

50s are good across the fence at the SCG. Not so good for teams who concede that many at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters woes continue to mount as Selwyn Cobbo scores out wide. He hasn’t been one his own tonight, but that attempted tackle from Daniel Tupou isn’t one he’ll be eager to remember. Brisbane lead 50-8 after 73 minutes

Brisbane are in again, and again it was entertaining. Another great fifth-tackle option ends with bench player Billy Walters firing the telling pass. Jesse Arthars scored the four-pointer. Worth noting that on the previous tackle, Payne Haas was at it again. Brisbane lead 46-8 after 68 minutes

This game is long gone, but at least we are seeing something from Trent Robinson’s men. Sandon Smith scored a try in the 58th minute and then they had a period of pressure on Brisbane’s line. It didn’t result in another try but it was probably their best period of the match. Brisbane lead 40-8 after 65 minutes