Round 8 vs. Wests Tigers Discussion

[Big Pete]

Wests Tigers vs. Brisbane Broncos
Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Saturday 27 April 2024
Kick Off: 5:30pm

1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Samuela Fainu 13. John Bateman

14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole

18. Justin Matamua 19. Alexander Lobb 20. Asu Kepaoa 21. Jake Simpkin 22. Tallyn Da Silva

1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jesse Arthars 5. Deine Mariner 6. Jock Madden 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Fletcher Baker

18. Tristan Sailor 19. Jaiyden Hunt 20. Martin Taupau 21. Jordan Pereira 22. Benjamin Te Kura​

 

[Big Pete]

The Broncos will welcome back captain Adam Reynolds alongside Payne Haas, Brendan Piakura and Deine Mariner ahead of their clash against the Wests Tigers. The news has been tempered somewhat by the omissions of Ezra Mam (finger) and Selwyn Cobbo (shoulder) who will be rested after suffering minor injuries.

There was also concerns over Billy Walters fitness after he hobbled off at Red Hill but he's expected to be fit ahead of tomorrow night's clash.

Of the past three clashes, I expect this to be the biggest challenge for the Broncos. Brisbane had the fortune of playing an under-strength Dolphins and Raiders at home and were able to pile on the points. The Tigers are virtually at full strength minus Junior Tupou and they can match any team in patches.

Brisbane can ill afford to start as slowly as they did against the Raiders and Dolphins and will need to go set for set.

A third straight win would put them in good stead against a resurgent Roosters outfit who looked very ominous against the Dragons. If the players can get through unscathed, that will be a real litmus test for where the Broncos are at in this competition.

 

[MRN]

Good to get the 2 and get 3 in a row. Still, margin should have been more. Handling errors still letting us down at crucial times when points are on offer. Also still letting the opposition in with cheap broken play tries that affect the points differential. Mariner had a bit if a shocker for his first back but Reyno was good. Madden was pretty good at 6 without being outstanding. Did his job.
What is going on with the cramping? I'm of the mind Walsh can be a bit of a drama queen but seriously get the bloke off. And then they finally get him off when the Tigers are on a run. Thank god for the biggest fullback of all time Xavier Willison coming on to cover.

 

[Big Pete]

Brisbane Broncos 34 (Reece Walsh 2, Jock Madden 2, Deine Mariner, Payne Haas tries; Adam Reynolds 5/6 goals) def. Wests Tigers 10

5-3

It was another patchy effort from the Broncos. They laid on some superb tries and the key players all stood up but when they had the opportunity to pile on the points they weren't quite in sync.

It's never a great feeling when you walk away with a 13+ win and you're relieved to hear the full-time siren. If the game lasted another 10 minutes the Tigers had every opportunity to win it.

The returning players all played well with the exception of Mariner who had a mixed game. Reynolds kicking game was a real point of difference, Haas was strong across both stints and Piakura looked likely with every touch of the football. It's too early but Piakura is one of those players who is beginning to put their hand up for higher honours.

It was unfortunate Jock Madden suffered a suspected pec injury as he enjoyed his best game in Broncos colours. He was looking far more comfortable and wasn't afraid to bob up across the field and play a similar role to Ezra.

I made light of the Willison omission, but he's really gone from strength to strength and is another player who would not look out of place in the rep arena for New Zealand.

 

[renouf]

Brisbane Broncos 34 (Reece Walsh 2, Jock Madden 2, Deine Mariner, Payne Haas tries; Adam Reynolds 5/6 goals) def. Wests Tigers 10


It's never a great feeling when you walk away with a 13+ win and you're relieved to hear the full-time siren. If the game lasted another 10 minutes the Tigers had every opportunity to win it.

Haha don't know about that, game was over.. opposition just doing their late game effort to ruffle some feathers.