Brisbane have staged a stunning comeback in Townsville to thump North Queensland 42-18 and keep their slim NRL finals hopes alive on the back of a blistering display by centre Kotoni Staggs.
The hosts led 18-12 at halftime and bombed a try early after the break when fullback Scott Drinkwater dropped the ball over the line.
But from that moment the Cowboys self-destructed to all but rule themselves out of a push for a top four spot.
Kotoni Staggs (right) has taken the Carl Webb Medal in a dominant display for the Broncos.Credit: AAP
Staggs was sensational in attack and defence and got the better of opposite number Valentine Holmes. His two second-half tries were powerhouse displays of will and skill and he was a deserved winner of the Carl Webb Medal.
The Broncos, who had lost eight of their previous nine matches, moved to 22 points and have the bye next week and three home games at Suncorp Stadium to finish the season. They are still alive in the finals race but can’t afford to lose.
“There was always faith from the coaching staff that we could turn it around,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters said.
The Cowboys, on 28 points, are still on track to play finals but won’t go far if they dish up another collapse like Saturday night.
“It was 18-6 and the game was there for our taking but we just weren’t good enough,” Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.
Source Agencies
