They’re the worst: Broncos sink to new low

It’s official. Brisbane’s class of 2020 are the worst team in Broncos history.

Panthers winger Brian To'o slides over for the try that ended Brisbane’s challenge. Picture: Getty Images

It’s official. Brisbane’s class of 2020 are the worst team in Broncos history.

The Broncos were brave on Thursday night but not even a more spirited display could halt Penrith’s surge towards the minor premiership as the Panthers held their nerve to dispose of Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.

With first playing second last, the Panthers were expected to pump Brisbane by 50 but the Broncos played with a spirit and intensity that has been missing for months to make Penrith work hard for its 12th straight victory.

When it mattered most, Penrith oozed too much class in the halves, with Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai helping the visitors to a 14-6 halftime lead before Brian To’o’s 69th-minute effort finished off the Broncos, 25-12.

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Fittingly, Cleary – the best on ground – plunged the dagger with a 77th-minute field goal.

For the Broncos, it was a historic and ignominious defeat. Penrith handed the hosts their 14th defeat in 15 games – the first time in Brisbane’s 32-year existence that the Broncos have lost 14 games in a single campaign.

And it could get worse for Brisbane’s Biggest Losers.

If the Bulldogs beat the Titans on Saturday, the Broncos will be last on percentages and in danger of claiming their first wooden spoon, with three rounds to play.

Despite the gloom, Brisbane has unearthed another boom forward in Jordan Riki.

The hulking 106kg backrower celebrated the first try of his NRL career, racing onto a Tom Dearden pass and streaking 40 metres to score a superb solo effort and whittle Penrith’s lead to 20-12 in the 63rd minute.

With David Fifita joining the Titans next season, the 20-year-old Riki has the chance to step up.

The Broncos’ first 40 minutes constituted one of their best halves of the season. Brisbane completed at 85 per cent, played direct, ran with intensity, defended valiantly and was the better side in the opening 25 minutes.

The reward came when Kotoni Staggs scored in the 10th minute for a 6-0 lead.

The Panthers were expected to belt Brisbane but the Broncos muscled up early. They have simplified their style under caretaker coach Peter Gentle, opting for effort over complex execution.

While Brisbane tried hard, Penrith’s scrumbase smarts proved the difference. The Panthers’ halves were too quick and slick, with Luai setting up one try and scoring another in the 56th minute. Cleary was in supreme touch, outpointing his opposite Dearden with sublime kicks.

The Broncos’ midfield has so much more presence with Payne Haas in the side.

Returning to the side after a two-week lay-off following the death of his brother, Haas troubled the Panthers with his size and power running.

The 118kg monster amassed 108 metres alone in the first half – double the 56m of rival Penrith props Moses Leota and James Tamou in the opening stanza. Haas finished with 40 tackles and 158m in a heroic display.

If only more Broncos played with his heart.

The Courier-Mail