NRL 2016: Brisbane Broncos slump to upset loss against Wests Tigers without Origin stars

THE Broncos’ Origin pain has flared early as Brisbane’s non-Maroons failed to stand up when needed in an untimely loss to NRL stragglers Wests Tigers.

Ben Hunt of Brisbane reacts during the Broncos loss. Pic Darren England.

THE Broncos’ Origin pain has flared early as Brisbane’s non-Maroons failed to stand up when needed.

Wests Tigers caused a boil over at Suncorp Stadium, winning a thrilling game 19-18 with Ben Hunt missing a relatively straight forward field goal at full time.

The hardest three weeks of Brisbane’s season has started poorly with the club losing its third game in four matches.

The Broncos needed a leader to dominate the final 20 minutes but Brisbane’s key attacking weapons couldn’t execute set plays.

At one point prop Jarrod Wallace was forced to kick on the last tackle.

Tigers’ five-eighth Mitchell Moses nailed his field goal attempt in the 75th minute.

Halfback Luke Brooks was dominant while Brisbane’s tired pack was unable to generate the quick play the balls their halves needed.

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Hunt made an amazing kick-pass to Lachlan Maranta to give Brisbane one final chance of winning with three minutes left but Hunt’s field goal just missed.

The Broncos have an eight day break before they play the Warriors in Auckland on Saturday.

However, their six-man Origin contingent will be backing up three days after Game One.

Following that game they have a five day turnaround before facing the Raiders at Suncorp Stadium.

Wayne Bennett has suggested he will rest his Origin players for either the Warriors or Raiders game to preserve their health for the post-season.

Bennett said he would make the decision after Wednesday’s Origin.

“I have no idea about that now. We will have to see how intense the game is and I have bigger things to worry about,” Bennett said.

Asked where it went wrong, Bennett said “The other team turned up to play”.

Bennett said the final scoreline was flattering to his side but he couldn’t fault his team’s effort.

“They dominated field position and ball control and that gave them a huge advantage,” Bennett said.

“I’m not disappointed. It was a tough ask for us and it is a learning experience.”

Without Corey Parker, Darius Boyd, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire and Corey Oates Brisbane simplified their game plan, repeatedly bunching in the middle of the field for one-out rucks.

The Tigers however were expansive with Brooks firing cut-out passes and Elijah Taylor linking through 40 metre sweep plays.

The Tigers’ style fatigued Brisbane’s pack and in the back end of the first half regular gaps appeared.

The Tigers held a 12-8 lead at half time and never lost it.

With an average age of 23, Brisbane’s senior statesman and key creatives in Hunt, Anthony Milford and Andrew McCullough needed to have excellent games.

They were all erratic.

Hunt was brilliant in creating a crucial try for Roberts to bring the Broncos within striking distance, trailing by two with 25 minutes remaining but then he botched a bomb to give Wests field position.

Josh Addo-Carr’s try then kicked the Tigers clear and they held on.

WESTS TIGERS 19 (J Addo-Carr T Simona E Taylor tries J Rankin 3 goals M Moses field goal) bt BRISBANE 18 (G Eden L Maranta J Roberts tries J Kahu 3 goals) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Gavin Badger, Matt Cecchin. Crowd: 27,153.

Originally published as NRL 2016: Brisbane Broncos slump to upset loss against Wests Tigers without Origin stars