Broncos have lost their opening game of the 2015 NRL season, going down to the South Sydney Rabbitohs 36-6 at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
A tough first twenty minutes saw both teams locked at 2 points each after penalties were converted close to the line. Even amounts of possession meant that both teams had plenty of chances with the ball in hand, but it was the Broncos who had to come up with more tackles.
The Rabbitohs broke through in the 27th minute through a strong run on the right wing by Dylan Walker. Adam Reynolds converted from the sideline to put the Bunnies up 8-2.
Reynolds was firing, kicking another penalty in the 37th minute after hooker Isaac Luke was struck high by Sam Thaiday. The score remained 10-2 to Souths at the break.
John Sutton got the Bunnies off to the perfect start in the second half after linking up with a perfect cut-out pass from Isaac Luke close to the line. At 14-points up, the Rabbitohs were looking ominous.
Greg Inglis sensed an opportunity, backing up some quick hands to the left side of the field and Souths crossed for another converted major to push their lead out to 20 points with 30 minutes to go.
Brisbane needed something to click and Matt Gillet answered the call. After a solid set of six, some quick plays at the ruck saw Brisbane earn an overlap. Gillet dummied and pushed his way over the line to put Brisbane back in contention at 22-8 after Parker missed the conversion.
Luke Keary cooled the home crowds hope, crossing minutes later after finishing off a Greg Inglis bust. Souths pushing back out to a 22 point lead in the 59th minute.
Souths crossed again to run away with the match 36-6, getting their premiership defence off to the perfect start.
“Our fitness got us through the game,” commented Adam Reynolds who was instrumental in controlling the match for the Rabbitohs.
“At half-time they had 20 sets and we had 13 and we paid a price for that in the second half,” commented returning coach Wayne Bennett who was disappointed in his sides ill-discipline.
“In a cynical way I’m pleased we did play them tonight because at least we know how far we need to go,” Bennett said.
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