FW3 vs. Warriors Discussion

[Big Pete]

Brisbane Broncos vs. Warriors
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 23 September 2023
Kick Off: 7:50pm

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Brendan Piakura 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Keenan Palasia

18. Corey Oates 19. Martin Taupau 20. Corey Jensen 21. Jock Madden 22. Tristan Sailor

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 3. Rocco Berry 4. Adam Pompey 5. Marcelo Montoya 6. Te Maire Martin 7. Shaun Johnson 8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Wayde Egan 10. Mitchell Barnett 11. Jackson Ford 12. Marata Niukore 13. Tohu Harris

14. Dylan Walker 15. Jazz Tevaga 16. Bayley Sironen 17. Josh Curran

18. Freddy Lussick 20. Taine Tuaupiki 21. Bunty Afoa 22. Ali Leiataua 23. Edward Kosi​

 

[Big Pete]

Broncos 1-17 following their 26-0 win over Melbourne. Walters is sticking to his guns and has preferred Jesse Arthars over Corey Oates despite Corey's stronger reputation.

Brisbane go into the game as heavy $1.26 favourites which is really surprising. Both teams are very even on paper and the only advantage Brisbane really have is the luxury of playing at home. The Broncos are stronger down the edges and are more potent across the field. However the Warriors control possession better and are better at attacking the middle third.

The general feeling is that if the Broncos can find top gear they'll edge the Warriors out, but if they blink the Warriors could make them pay and they could let this golden opportunity slip.

That's been something of a talking point in the media after Brian Fletcher, the Panthers CEO, voiced his complaint that the Panthers couldn't play at BlueBet. I think if the Panthers were playing the Bulldogs or Rabbitohs he may have a valid point, but he picked the wrong target and has largely come across as a whinger.

To any Warriors fan that stumbles across this, I just want to say best of luck. There's always been a healthy amount of respect between both clubs and some absolute classics. Hopefully the best team wins, and both teams light it up and go into the Grand Final with plenty of momentum.

 

[Big Pete]

Brisbane Broncos 42 (Billy Walters 2, Herbie Farnworth 2, Jesse Arthars, Jordan Riki, Ezra Mam tries; Adam Reynolds 6/6, Reece Walsh 1/1 goals) def. Warriors 12

I thought it was a really frantic game from the Broncos. A couple of players weren't switched on early and the Warriors made them pay with a fairly effortless set piece.

That seemingly invited the Broncos to take the gloves off and go on a full out assault. It cost them one try when Walsh threw an intercept for DWZ, but it paid off and the Broncos blew the game wide open at 24-8.

The Broncos had an opportunity to really assert themselves, but they got carried away and shot themselves in the foot. The Warriors capitilised and scored another soft try to get themselves back into it.

Both teams were out on their feet afterwards and while the Broncos had the better of the exchanges, they couldn't convert their opportunities and the Warriors were beginning to get back into the arm wrestle.

The game turned when Reece Walsh got away with one of the most blatant forward pass calls in NRL history. Riki scored to make it a 18 point lead and after Pompey was sent to the sin-bin for a professional foul, Brisbane were able to extend their advantage and put the game to bed with 20 to go.

I don't think it was the type of performance the Broncos would have wanted in the lead up to Penrith. The Broncos threw 23 offloads and while it came off they're going to have to be more selective against the Panthers. The defence down the edges also left a lot to be desired.

On the plus side, Carrigan, Reynolds and Walsh were all given early marks and as it stands there should be no distractions leading into the Grand Final.

The attack centered largely around Reece Walsh who produced 3 Try Assists and 6 Line-Break Assists in another scintillating performance. Walsh received plenty of help from his middles who completely dominated and really allowed the Broncos to play through the Warriors. Herbie Farnworth coming out of yardage was immense with 21 runs for 232m to add to his two tries.

 

[renouf]

Would have been an interesting finish if that pass had been pulled up, after that it was game over.

 

[League guru]

One thing that this game highlighted and has been evident for a while is that the Broncos let the wrong centre go. Farnworth will be a hugh plus for The Dolphins.

 

[Big Pete]

One thing that this game highlighted and has been evident for a while is that the Broncos let the wrong centre go. Farnworth will be a hugh plus for The Dolphins.

What should they have done? Released Kotoni mid-way through his 4 year deal to offer Farnworth more money? It wasn't like they had a choice.

 

[League guru]

What should they have done? Released Kotoni mid-way through his 4 year deal to offer Farnworth more money? It wasn't like they had a choice.

They probably shouldn't have given him such a big deal in the first place. He doesn't go that good and has been caught out in origin.

 

[Big Pete]

They probably shouldn't have given him such a big deal in the first place. He doesn't go that good and has been caught out in origin.

They probably didn't have much choice considering he's a more high profile player.

As a Broncos fan, I'm happy both of them will be there on Sunday.