Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam overcome injury crisis with dominant performance
At a time when the Brisbane Broncos desperately needed a leader to overcome adversity, Adam Reynolds did it once again to orchestrate the best moves against the Bulldogs and in doing so he established himself as one of the glamor club’s greatest captains.
Battling an injury ward brimming with more than $5 million worth of talent – 12 senior players sidelined through injury, suspension or personal leave – Reynolds kept the ball under control and showed his side’s composure in the 32-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium.
Despite being without the attacking linchpin Reece Walsh (cheekbone) and the centre-forward rotation of Payne Haas (knee), Pat Carrigan (suspension) and Corey Jensen (lung embolism), the experienced halfback never lost his composure.
And he didn’t need to do that, because he still had Ezra Mam, who put on a clinic that included a genuine contender for one of the most remarkable try-score finishes ever witnessed.
Brisbane’s successes ultimately rested on their defence, which denied them three straight sets early before they had a chance to show their class with the ball.
After responding to the challenge, Reynolds tortured the Bulldogs with his boot, forcing a succession of shutouts before Ezra Mam’s pinpoint cross was pounced on by Gehamat Shibasaki for the first points of the game.
Mam was at it again when he unleashed a lofted pass for Josiah Karapani to take the lead before Reynolds’ chip behind him sent the crowd into delirium. While trying to force a third replay set, Reynolds’ dive following a Harry Hayes trip resulted in the Bulldogs prop being sent to the sin bin.
Deine Mariner capitalized on the momentum, scoring a miraculous try in the corner and then making the break to find Cory Paix inside to extend the half-time lead to 20.
Bigger fireworks were to come; Mam’s pass to Karapani put the winger into space, while Karapani’s inbound pass was brought down by Lachlan Galvin. While my mother was picking up the crumbs, she somehow managed to stay a millimeter outside the playground and, in an incredible move, touched the top of his head down.
Brisbane’s professionalism overshadowed their inexperience; While completing 40 of 43 sets, he made 35 steals in his own 20-meter area. Their discipline was the best they have shown since coach Michael Maguire arrived at Red Hill; They conceded just two penalties compared to the Bulldogs’ seven penalties and 14 errors.
Reynolds’ composure and game management (he kicked for 689 metres) and Mum’s wizardry were at the heart of it all. Even with Preston Riki sin-binned for a dangerous tackle in the second half, the Broncos’ defense remained virtually impenetrable – only beating Matt Burton once before Lachlan Galvin crossed late on.
Canterbury-Bankstown will also face a tense wait for Viliame Kikau, who was taken off the field and seen with his arm in a sling.
Casualty ward and rescuer
Brisbane will welcome Carrigan back next week, while there could be a chance for Jesse Arthars to feature in the first team and withdraw with a leg issue.
But while Walsh, Jensen, Haas, Aublix Tawha, Blake Mozer, Ben Hunt, Billy Walters, Grant Anderson and Delouise Hoeter remain on the sidelines, Ben Te Kura is pursuing an NFL opportunity on the Gold Coast.
Brendan Piakura was taken off at half-time after aggravating his knee problem, further reducing his stock.
But against all odds, the defending champions have won the last two matches against all odds and pacey midfielder Xavier Willison has proven himself a superstar in his own right.
Replacing Carrigan at lock, the Kiwi enforcer competed for an incredible 75 minutes, running for 170 meters and making 33 tackles before scoring the final try on the final play of the game.
Without Haas, Jensen and Carrigan, the brigade that laid the groundwork in Brisbane was incomplete. They found their savior in Willison.
unheralded heroes
Given the caliber of personnel lost in the operation, the Broncos needed unannounced team members to issue a statement of intent. Each of them did it in spades.
It was exciting when Ben Talty was given the chance to start in the front row, while Preston Riki touched every move in his first game for the club.
Brisbane’s third-string full-back Hayze Perham was flawless and finished with 115 running metres, making the final pass for the Mariner try, while rookie enforcer VJ Semu also put in a very promising performance.
If Brisbane can maintain this momentum until their superstar returns, this depth of talent could be what will win them back-to-back titles.
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