Broncos skipper Pat Carrigan has scored just his third NRL try to help his side skip away to a handy 12-4 halftime lead over the Sharks.
After a lightning quick Kotoni Staggs play the ball, Broncos hooker Billy Walters galloped forty metres down the middle of the field. He goes close to scoring himself, but just as he’s getting tackled, Walters passes it back to an open Carrigan who scores under the posts.
The Sharks would hit back through Siosifa Talakai soon after before an arm wrestle for the next 20 minutes or so until Tyson Smoothy crossed to extend Brisbane’s lead to eight.
MATCH CENTRE: Broncos vs Sharks, scores, stats
Kotoni Staggs is in the conversation for the now-vacant Blues centre spot, and he’s done his chances of being picked no harm.
He’s proven a handful, having run for 55 metres and five tackle busts.
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MATCH PREVIEW
The Brisbane Broncos play host to the sliding Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium, who are hoping to stop a two-game losing streak.
The Sharks are swimming in choppy waters at the moment, having conceded 106 points over their past three games.
Cam McInnes returns from Origin duties to lead the side, however Nicho Hynes, who has been dealing with a calf issue, has been rested.
Tristan Sailor returns earlier than expected from an injury lay-off for the Broncos, and will take Reece Walsh’s spot at fullback.
Walsh was knocked out of last Wednesday’s State of Origin after a brutal hit to the head from Joseph Sua’ali’i.
The head knock was determined to be a category 1 HIA, which means Walsh will be stood down for 11 days.
He’ll miss tonight’s clash and next week’s game against Souths.
Brisbane’s other three Origin reps (Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo) will all back up and have been named to start.
Source Agencies
