The Brisbane Broncos have defeated the Canberra Raiders 22-4 at GIO Stadium to record their fourth consecutive win.
What: NRL Round 13
Who: Brisbane Broncos v Canberra Raiders
Result : Broncos 28-4
Where and When: 7pm Monday June 9 – GIO Stadium
Crowd: 8094
Match Rating: 6.5 out of 10
80 Minutes in 80 Seconds:
Canberra came in boasting an impressive record of six victories in seven matches against the Broncos at GIO Stadium. Things were looking positive early for the Raiders with both sides scoreless in the opening 20 minutes – the first time the Green Machine has done this in 2014. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Brisbane’s big guns couldn’t stay quiet forever. A Justin Hodges break and last pass from Matt Gillett led to a try to the Broncos’ leading try-scorer, Dale Copley to open the scoring. The visitors were never headed from there, aided and abetted by some terrible ball handling and last tackle options from their hosts.
Who Killed It:
Broncos and Maroons enforcer Matt Gillett was outstanding in a perfect tune-up for Origin II. Anthony Milford was again the shining light in an average Raiders side and has been rewarded with a call-up to the Maroons squad. He will catch up with new Queensland teammate Ben Hunt, who was good here again.
Who Stank It Up:
Canberra were just simply dreadful. They are lucky Cronulla’s in the comp otherwise Ricky might be collecting his second wooden spoon in as many years.
What Do I Need To Know:
Josh Papalii sent shockwaves through the Queensland camp after appearing to roll his ankle in the last ten minutes of the game. Papalii declined removal by medi-cab but is definitely a concern for Origin II. Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt were named in the Maroons squad as the game was in progress.
What The:
Did the Maroons delay naming their team just to have one final look at Milford and Hunt? Surely not. If it was done to ensure the two youngsters were not distracted pre-game, then full marks to Mal Meninga.
Look Out Up Ahead:
Both sides have the week off with a bye. Bring on Origin.
Sam Alexander
Published article – http://www.sportal.com.au/league/nrl-premiership/match-centre/314138/nrl#postmatch
S.J.A 