Brisbane Broncos storm past Premiers

CRONULLA will be forced to go back to the drawing board, as its defence of the NRL premiership continues to slip away.

Paul Gallen of the Sharks is wrapped up by the Brisbane defence.

BRISBANE have spoiled Paul Gallen’s 300th-game celebrations, crushing defending premiers Cronulla 32-10 in their NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Centre Tautau Moga bagged a double on Friday night as the Broncos strengthened their top-four position in Wayne Bennett’s 600th game as Broncos coach.

But there was no champagne popping for Gallen, who was booed every time he touched the ball by the 34,552-strong crowd.

Tautau Moga of the Broncos is congratulated by team mates after scoring a try.

The Sharks were expected to lift for Gallen, whose 300th game as a one-club player puts him behind only Cronulla legend Andrew Ettingshausen (328).

The visitors had been desperate to get their top-four campaign back on track after last round’s loss to Canberra.

But nothing could inspire a flat Sharks who could slip as far as sixth on the ladder after their second-straight defeat.

The Broncos looked in ominous form against Cronulla.

t snapped Cronulla’s three-game winning run at Suncorp Stadium, marking the Broncos’ first victory over the Sharks since 2011 in Brisbane.

Brisbane are on track for a premiership tilt after winning six of their past eight games plus nine of 11 home matches this year.

Brisbane moved to a 14-0 lead on 35 minutes after returning Cronulla five- eighth James Maloney was repeatedly exposed in defence.

Maloney — back from two weeks out with a broken hand — appeared to struggle, missing 10 tackles but managed to see out the game.

It was a tough night for Paul Gallen.

Cronulla’s Luke Lewis stepped around Anthony Milford in the 39th minute to cut the halftime deficit to 14-6.

Moga put the result beyond doubt when he steamrolled opponents to score in the 44th and 60th minutes.

Bennett has won 20 of his past 25 games against Cronulla.

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos storm past Premiers