POST GAME Round 2 - Broncos vs Cowboys

[Danoz Direct]

With a fit Boyd and Bird in the side will have even more potency in attack and hopefully convert the opportunities we get.

 

[Thelmus]

@Number6 stole my thunder VERY well but anyway, I find doing these very c(p)athar(e)tic, so here we go:

1. Boyd - Not a fan of his at the moment as you all know and well, can i just say...after tonight...nothing has changed there. I'm sorry to start on a bit of a negative after what was a fantastic victory but this guy is playing busted. I happily cannot question his effort tonight but as much as his mind is willing, his body at present is shot. He threw a beautiful couple of passes though and if he can somehow get over that hammy, he'll be very good once again. That scenario is questionable though. That drop could have also cost the game. Not a happy fan, he still needs a rest or time on the wing. 5
2. Oates - I thought he was fantastic. I am also still not completely convinced that foot went over the sideline before the ball went down but happy enough with the decision now and at the time, there was definitely doubt. He really had not right to even get that close. His pick up off his bootlaces was gold too. He was sucking in defenders left, right and centre as well. Such a gun in that position. 8
3. Roberts - Was quiet at times but he is just an ever present danger at all times and that run to set up Kodi was sublime. He is showing a lot of maturity out there. He went a bit quiet at times but he's been one of the few shining lights through the first two rounds, great stuff. 8
4. Kahu - Well he's gone for a while, I hope they found his teeth. Will be feeling that wrong head positioning for a while. Not really a loss now given how well Oppa went and Isaako is going on the wing. 3
5. Isaako - That one take he did there really reminded me of Yow Yeh. :( He looks a gun winger and a very good goal-kick. Did a see a torpedo spiral on those goal kicks? That drop off the drop-out though was unforgivable. There is something about him as a winger. I'm still not convinced about him at fullback but don't really think anyone will go worse than Boyd at present. 7
6. Milford - He ran the ball and everything else in his game fed off that. In the words of The Flash, 'Run, Milf, Run.' That kick went dead and didn't even look like stopping, he needs to develop that but with him, it is and always has been, all about attitude. Tonight was definitely a step in the right direction. Not Man of the Match, sorry, not even close. 7
7. KNik - I thought he was great (sorry @Accept, couldn't help myself). But seriously, he was a LOT better than last week. You could see him talking and backing up almost every half break there was. He is such a cool head and had that kick been slightly better for Boyd (not that Boyd really helped on that one), that would have been a sensational try. Still scratchy but give him time, he has the skills, the attitude and temperament, just needs to develop the consistency. I really feel that middle period of the game showed what this team can be once everything clicks. 7
8. Lodge - Best compliment I can give him, he looks like Matt Scott in the Broncos jersey. He was very, very good once again. Him and TPJ have the potential to be a long-term prop team like Civo-Webcke (no I'm not saying they are as good or even comparing their abilities, I'm saying that they can have a long-term partnership only) were. Lodge was smashing everything he hit and was running with no sense of self-preservation at all. He isn't the finished product by any means but for a guy who was playing his second NRL game in years, that was stunning stuff. What a weapon. 9
9. Macca - He was always going to be rusty last week but boy, I don't think any of us expected him to be THAT good that quick. What a game that was. He looks like he has spent his time injured studying and improving the things he could work on, that is all any of us have ever wanted to see. He was absolutely influential, second-best on ground...just and that is absolutely no shame, TPJ was just on another level. 9.5
10. TPJ - I don't care what they have to pay him, just sign him up long-term. Every man and his dog has been able to see just how good this kid will be (maybe after tonight - already is). He has it all and now, it seems the tank to match. Picked his offloads well, ran with terrifying intensity. Almost getting that try was amazing in itself, despite not getting there in the end. And goodness me, that defense! I was critical of his defense after last week but tonight, goodness me tonight was next level. He smashed EVERYTHING that moved, not just tackled, belted, steam-rolled and then got up and did the same to whoever was next in the vicinity. That final tackle of belting Bolton into the pole was just brilliant presence of mind. His penalty he gave away was also dubious at best. Yep, first one of the year - 10.
11. Glenn - Was solid as always without being great, still think Su'a will replace him by the end of the year but no shame in that. A tremendous club man who seemed to be playing injured but not letting it bother him. One of his shots was textbook hitting, great stuff. 6
12. Gillett - Let in that Cooper try by allowing Kodi to be isolated. Not great and sporadic once again. He is too good not to come good though but would like to see the rust out of his game as soon as possible. Still a great player, just needs time. 5
13. McGuire - Back to his best once again tonight. I would really love to see him develop an out the back pass. He backs it up every time so well into the defense and has his arms free. He really lifted the side though when he came back on, great stuff. 8

14. Thaiday - I am often critical of Thaiday and still think that he or Sims should be replaced by Haas by season's end but the old guy has so much credit in the bank. He wasn't bad in his stints tonight, just not great either (and he hasn't been for a long time sadly). I'm cutting him some slack though, that 'push' was pretty soft all in all. Still, it cost a try. 5
15. Joffa - He was fantastic. Uncharacteristically quiet week last week but he really built on the momentum the starting props laid when he came on. He hit hard in defense and made some really high energy, high impact runs. The key for him is to be able to do that on a consistent basis but a very impressive outing. 8
16. Sims - Still want more from the guy. Smashed everything that came his way as he usually does but just doesn't have the same punch that you need from a prop. Work on getting those hit-ups mate, add something to your defense, you are big enough and skillful enough to do it. 6
17. Oppa - The missing link from last week. He should have started at centre and sadly, I think Kahu's injury paves the way for what should have happened last week anyway, Oppa at starting centre. I am sure Bird will take that place when he is fit again but I think it is a bit of a shame. Oppa love the club and really is the Reed-type centre the team is crying out for. He made some bad reads in defense but worked his butt off to double back and make up for it. He also knows how to put his winger away. Really impressive game. 7

Finally,

18 - The Goal Post - Just want to say, that teamwork that you did with TPJ ultimately won the game for the team, that alone makes him an outstanding contributor tonight. For someone not even in the 30 man squad, that is just stunning work. In inaniminate metallic plastic covered post we trust as the saying goes. Only criticism is that he could have come to the side's aid at other times. 9

I agree about the goal post. There were times I used to think it was wooden and stiff in its approach but now its as hard as, and provides the steel in our tryline defence. Lacks a bit in personality but makes up for it by still smiling more than the coach. :)

 

[Super Freak]

I don't want to be a party pooper. But I thought tonight showed we are not Premiership contenders but likely a 5th-8th team.

We beat the premiership favourites, under strength with several players not 100% and we weren't even at our best.

But we're not even a top 4 side?

 

[Hammerman47]

Great effort from the big men especially Lodge..... media tried their very best to fk with his head in the last 2 weeks but as I said last week he has done a ton of work off field to try and redeem himself for 'that night' and made out to be worse than the Dogs 'rape night' by NSW (and some of our) media... but Wayne has his head in the right place.. I believe he will have a big impact on our positioning this year.. well done m8..... Gus looks like he has swallowed someones dick whenever he has to say anything positive about the broncos...its still that he hates all Q!lders(except JT who he has to like to satisfy his channel nine contract)..but really who gives a fk what he says..we know he is going to hate us forever so we just keep hating him back.. no biggy. Sadly Darius still aint
right from where I sit... not enough mongrel... but I wont hate on him. I hope the guys grow more and more into a 'its us agianst all the rest' team and start dishing out some real (as they can if they put their minds together and hearts into it) pain to other clubs... especially those dickface NSW 'Gus's" pretty boys roosters, penrith, dragons and eels. Sry for the rant about Gould but I do hate that old fk.
Thanks to the Broncs for making and old dude happy tonight.

 

[Huge]

The teams attitude is what improved. Not one single player played above himself as most of the team performed to their ability. I've been critical of Macca in the past and I've even been foolish enough to predict he has limited games left for the Broncos but he seems to be the glue that binds in this team. Perhaps it's maturity but if he keeps this new found belief and decides to become a star player we just may have a real shot this year.

Not getting carried away but we will be a much more formidable opponent when Bird comes into the team. He really will give us a competitive edge. NRL 360 will be so much better this week. I will give Ikin a few tips when I see him next. Generally see him in the lounge at Brisbane airport on Monday mornings on fly in day.

 

[Jason Simmons]

I thought turning point in attack was Roberts as usual. Amazing player did not get enough ball on his side, we need to use him more somehow. Macca an TPJ were amazing. Not sure why everyone things Lodge played that well, seemed solid but made a number of penalties. Overall great team effort good to see Milf back. As usual though its all off the back of intense defense and fast energetic play. We still need to find our kicking game etc but so glad we are back using our speed and good D.

Yep Lodge isn’t perfect, but he runs hard and hits hard and does plenty of work. There are kinks in his game but which 14 game NRL ‘veteran’ doesn’t have kinks in his game?

We’ve got the big prop forward we have been crying out for and he works hard, runs hard, hits hard, makes plenty of metres and has got a decent offload in him.

I think we should be pretty grateful we have him to be honest and if he stays on his current path, we absolutely should be locking him up on good money. Him and TPJ long term as a front row on what we saw tonight?

Wow.

 

[007]

I thought Kodi did alright, at times a little down on confidence, but certainly mega change from last week. I didn't rate him to do very well this season but this game did show potential of where he needs to be.

Forward pack found some aggression on the back of direction from Macca. In-fact the whole pack played exceptionally well. Penalties and little errors will always happen especially with this new play the ball crackdown, its reigning them in with discipline over the next few weeks that will be the key.

Macca had a brilliant game between himself and Milf we were well directed.

The overall grunt and aggression was at a level it needs to be. Oppa to centre proved a difference in the game defensive wise for us, it shut the cows down on that side and force them back into the middle. It did worry me his dive bomb tackles, this is something he needs to be careful of.

 

[Super Freak]

Watching the replay.

When Roberts gets that ball, you can just tell something special is coming. The way the forwards were staying back with their feet planted, all it took was Roberts to hit the afterburners and he was through. He took advantage of some lazy defence from Scott and Hess.

 

[Wild Horse]

I'm liking how Isakko is going.

 

[tommy]

this new play the ball crackdown

I thought this was shown to be exactly what it is tonight. Another grey area for the game managers to implement when the time is right in each match. I wish I was wrong.

 

[pennywisealfie]

Hell yeah boys. Eat shit refs, you *****. Eat shit Northerners. Eat shit the bandwagon fuckwits cheering Cowboys at the game. No way that many people from Townsville live in Brisbane.

WE are Queensland's team.

Shoutout to the RE for $6 cocktails wooooo

 

[Broncapz]

My big positive takeaways
----------
1. Macca with great service and even some great metres from dummy half.
2. Jimmy's AMAZING something from nothing try assist with good positive team talk after 'keep it simple'. If TPJ had listened, it might have been a less stressful game.
3. Energy. Broncos looked meaningful in defense almost every set, especially in regards to keeping the cowboys in their own half.
4. TPJ saying he wanted to be a Bronco for life.
5. Milford and Nikorima looked dangerous. Kicking game was above Broncos average too.


I'm wondering if we're leading the comp for penalties conceded after this round.

 

[Porthoz]

To the Milfmobile

@Morkel , get to work. He doesn't look anywhere near fat enough for the puns...

 

[Super Freak]

Watched the game on Fox and why the hell do they keep talking about the Oats pass to Glenn a forward? Really??? These passes occur in every game but, they don't get talked about except when the Broncos does.

They were talking about Opacic's pass to Oates. Which was forward.

 

[tommy]

You have to laugh. Our game vs Cows 46 000 attend. Roosters vs Bulldogs 12 000 attend.

 

[Maddy1to9]

They were talking about Opacic's pass to Oates. Which was forward.

It might've been but my point is, why don't they talk about every forward pass that others have too? Why only brag about them when Broncos does? Did none of the teams scored on a forward pass in this season? Let alone, what about the Cows forward passes in the very game?

 

[Porthoz]

I only watched the game delayed, but jeez, what a difference from last week. Kuddos to our forwards for well and truly winning their contest against one of, if not the best pack in the NRL. That gave Milf just the room he needed to run havoc amongst their big men, and tire them out.
I think the scoreboard is way too harsh for us. We could and should've been up by 20+ at half time.
Unfortunately, we (well, Cummins helped a lot) allowed the Cows and Thurston to try to steal it from us at the end. We need to control the game a bit better when holding a comfortable lead.

That goal post should get a statue!

My player ratings.

1- Boyd made too many mistakes, is clearly underdone, and he had a couple of those glaring at the ref excruciatingly slow PtBs, but this time he lead by example, ran hard (as much as he'll be able to) and didn't have a defeatist attitude, which is what I demand from any Broncos player, especially the captain. 5 for encouragement.

2- Oates almost stole another special try. I have no issues with it being taken away, as I do believe he dropped the ball. Played well enough, but probably got robbed of a stint in the second row by poor Kahu's bad luck. 7

3- Roberts needs to inject himself more into the game, because he is an absolute weapon as he showed with the run leading to Kodi's try. I would've liked him to chase Milford's kick which went dead after rolling forever, as he might have forced the Cowboys to at least play at the ball, instead of gifting them a 7 tackle set. Still a performance worth a 7.

4- Kahu can't take a trick at that cursed left centre position. He only played 18 minutes, but defended well during his time on the field, and was instrumental in turning the tide around, first with that great catch of our short dropout, and after with that defensive play which stopped the Cows momentum, but cost him another 6 weeks on the sideline and a few teeth. 5

5- Isaako did quite well, defended strongly, caught that bomb beautifully, and kicked goals well. With Kahu out, he will be very important to us. That Cowboys drop-out though... can only give him 6 after that.

6- Milford was back to his running tricks and destroyed the Cowboys ruck in those last 25 minutes of the first half. Didn't quite keep it up in the second half (with our forwards also dominating less), but his contribution was definitely essential for the win. Needs to improve his long range kicking, but even that wasn't too bad imo. 8.5

7- Kodi scored a try and was very unlucky with Boyd's lack of speed and agility after his beauty of a linebreak. Some of his 5th tackle decisions brought the Cowboys back into the game several times though, and Gavin Cooper's try was 99% his fault for falling for Thurston's move and run towards where he thought the ball was going, walking off his spot and opening an avenue for the forward to run through. His first half keeps him in the positive... 6

8- Lodge did his job, and did it well. Ran hard, tackled hard and offers us a presence we lacked for years now. Needs to get back into the line quicker though. 7

9- Did Macca just play one of his best games ever in Broncos colours on his second game returning from a ACL? I think Broncos fans take him too much for granted, including myself. He was in absolutely everything, and not only guided the forwards well in attack, he was immense in defense too. My MOTM... 9

10- TPJ, just go on and sign that contract for life right now! You have a great defensive combo with that post, and you can definitely rely on it always being there, so keep smashing opposition forwards onto it. Macca stole what you probably think you earned, and tbh, I would have no problem with you sharing the MOTM with him. 9

11- Glenn did what I want him to do every week. Help Milford keep our left side defensively tight and run good lines off him to not only profit from his nifty passes and grubbers, but also give him enough space to slip between the defensive line's cracks. Well played sir. 8

12- Matty, as usual your work goes mostly unnoticed, because you've kinda forgotten the fancy stuff. But besides your stinging defense, I saw you chasing every kick, harass and smash the halves (Thurston will have a few bruised ribs) and run the ball strongly. I hope you'll forgive Kodi for his mistake which led to you not being able to stop Cooper, and build a combination with the little man that will see you get back to you attacking best. 8

13- Moose, I can only imagine how much last week's criticism must have stung. I still don't think he's a lock, but he did again what he does best... run and tackle hard. Can't complain about that, can I? 8

14- Sammy, the exact same thing I said of McGuire applies to him, but seriously... why did he take Ofa's try from him with that silly push? 6

15- Joffa, I don't think he was too bad last week, but he definitely improved this game, and massively contributed to our dominance of the field during the middle of the game. He deserved the try Thaiday took from him, and should steal his KFC at least twice this week! 8

16- About time Korbin. Good runs and aggression during his stint made the difference we need when our top forwards are resting. Good job! 7

17- Tom, must be pretty crap to enter a game through a colleague's injury that way, but that bounce probably made him forget that pretty quickly. For a guy with almost no NRL in his legs, he certainly looked the part. 7

Coach... next time, the only thing that will make that press conference even better, is a mike drop. Please make it happen!

 

[kat00]

thats more like it.
Commitment from everyone.
Kahului,s effort in catching that dropout and forcing the drop ball when he broke his jaw was what got us going.
Listening to Gould after the game you would think NQ had have won, he needs to get back to the oncologist.
Best game of footy I’ve enjoyed for ages