The biggest difference for me was first contact in defence. We didn't just catch and try to slow momentum, we hit hard with first contact and the second tackler drove in with similar impact. The Panthers runners were stopped dead and couldn't get momentum. Which is how the Panthers have been defending the last few years, ironically.
However, besides the above, both teams played very similar to their 2022 style, it was how the refs approached the calls that was different. Normally the Panthers aren't called for their bullshit, and normally the Broncos can't do anything without getting pinged. The Panthers still got heaps of help in the last 15 minutes (including the captains challenge fuckery) but bottled it.
I was going to go tin-foil hat and say the NRL are interested in Brisbane and Brisbane2 both looking good to start the year. Both clubs going well woukd be massive leading up to their clash, compared to if they bumbled their way to losses beforehand. But I genuinely gave the Rolfins no chance. I only saw the last 20 minutes and the Roosters were just a wreck, dropping the ball and derping it up, so I don't know how manipulated the game seemed. But very interesting to see how rounds 2 & 3 go. Will be even more interesting if both clubs go in to round 4 with a couple of wins, but as soon as the clash is over, both regress to bottom 8 sides, suggesting their "form" was being padded.
