Improving Broncos Beat Eels

The Brisbane Broncos officially returned to form at Suncorp Stadium in a game that was of a high quality compared to others this season.

Brisbane wound back the clock to years gone by, with deep back lines being set in attack, miserly defence, and a measured approach to the game, indeed Parramatta did not play badly at all they were simply beaten by a better side.

This return to form may have had a lot to do with Darren Lockyer being content to sit back and let halfback Brett Seymour run the majority of the plays, Lockyer seemed to revel playing much in the same ilk he did when he was fullback backing up the ball runner or playmaker with incisive runs, and setting up two second half tries himself.

Justin Hodges was simply brilliant again and looks like he will be fitted for a maroon and possibly green and gold jersey this season if he keeps up his form, his combination with Tame Tupou looks to be more than promising and maybe one of the most devastating right hand side combinations in the premiership this year, and it would not be hard to see a comparison to the formerly great combination of Renouf and Hancock.

Michael Vella opened the scoring for the Eels in the seventh minute with a try close to the posts.

Almost immediately the Brisbane side hit back when Tame Tupou scored in the corner courtesy of some brilliant hands along the back line. Tupou bagged a second towards the end of the first half to send the Broncos to the break with an 8-6 lead after good straight running from Justin Hodges put him in the clear.

The Eels were unlucky to score more in the first half, with Broncos fullback Karmichael Hunt making three certain try saving tackles on rampaging Eels players.

Brisbane extended their lead in the 49th minute when Lockyer scored after more good work from Hodges, who off loaded to Hunt from a three-man tackle to set up Lockyer under the posts and the Broncos led 14-6.

Parramatta then hit back courtesy of a courageous and exciting play. Ben Smith scored the try on the next play, however the try was all Tim Smith’s doing. Smith took a punt and cross kicked on his own 20 metre line to find Luke Burt who ran to the ten and the next play Ben Smith scored a simple one to keep the Eels in the game at 14-10.

The Broncos then stamped their authority on the game when Hodges scored a well deserved try, beating two defenders close to the line to send the Broncos 18-10 ahead.

At the 62nd minute Karmichael Hunt put the game beyond doubt, receiving a long cut out pass from Lockyer to put the Broncos ahead 24-10, and towards the end Lockyer once again showed his attacking flair putting a chip kick through for David Stagg to score under the uprights to give the Broncos a 30 points to 10 victory.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!