Broncos make it magic eight straight by steamrolling hapless Titans

The Brisbane Broncos have recorded their eighth straight victory as well as maintaining top spot on the NRL Ladder with a thumping 34-0 drubbing of the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium this evening.

The Broncos ran in six tries with some real razzle dazzle play in the 2nd half when the game really opened up. However Brisbane didn't have it all their own way and were forced to struggle through the first 15 minutes after Gold Coast took it to them in the early exchanges. The Titans buoyed by the return of star Five-Eighth Aiden Sezer threw everything at the Broncos not only throughout the first 15 minutes but also through the entire mate. They had 40 tackles inside the Broncos 20 metre line but couldn't find their way over the line.

Brisbane made the Titans pay for their wasteful play when Ben Hunt sent veteran back rower Corey Parker through a yawning gap in the Titans defensive line to score under the posts. After receiving the ball just 5m out, Parker stepped inside the oncoming Josh Hoffmann and dove under the posts. Parker converted his own try from directly in front and gave the Broncos a 6-0 lead after 17 minutes.

Brisbane nearly doubled their lead off the resulting kickoff when an Anthony Milford pass sent Darius Boyd racing through the Gold Coast line, however the play broke down two tackles later after Justin Hodges knocked on. However Boyd and the Broncos wouldn't have to wait much longer to get their next try of the evening. On 22 minutes Boyd received a pass from Ben Hunt and brushed past some feeble attempts at tackle by the Titans defence to crash over out wide, Parker was unsuccessful with the resulting kick and the score remained 10-0. Despite having decent field possession and territory the Titans could match it with the Broncos and soon had conceded their 3rd try. Ben Hunt threw a dummy on the half way and sliced through the defence, he was the able to out run Josh Hoffman on the way to the line in a spot of marvelous individual play by the talented Half.

There was end to end play for the next 10 minutes of the half with both sides threatening to score. Eventually it was a penalty goal to fill in kicker Jordan Kahu right on half time that extended their lead to 18-0.

Gold Coast came flying out of the blocks in the second half and had several sets of six on the Brisbane line, it was all in vein though as Brisbane's gritty defence denied the Gold Coast at every stop. The Titans problems were compounded when Half Kane Elgey was taken off the field with concussion after taking a heavy, albeit late tackle from Broncos Forward Sam Thaiday. The Titans appeared rudderless without him and were forced to shift Greg Bird into the halves.

Brisbane scored their 4th try on 46 minutes when a questionable pass by Anthony Milford was collected by Jarrod Wallace on his way to the line, Wallace ran a great line and the big prop forward showed great pace on his 25 metre run to the line.

The match continued to flow from end to end in the next 20 minutes until bench hooker Kodi Nikorima celebrated his return to the side with a nice show and go to slide through the Titans defence to register his side's 5th try of the night. Nikorima has big wraps on him from a lot of people at the Broncos and it's little reason to see why when he shows individual skill like that. Parker nailed the kick to extend the lead out to a 30-0 blowout, however the Broncos weren't done with. 8 minutes later, New Zealand international Alex Glenn scored in the corner after Anthony Milford sent him through yet another hole with a wonderful no look pass. Glenn had too much pass for luckless Fullback and former Bronco Josh Hoffmann and ran 40 metres unhampered to the line. Parker missed the attempt at goal from the touchline and the score read 34-0.

The score would remain the same as the final 6 minutes was riddled with errors and poor decision making from both sides.

The Broncos were far too good for the Titans with some wonderful attacking football and some stingy defensive displays throughout the 80 minutes. In particular both Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford were standouts and are continuing to torment NRL teams throughout the competition with their pinpoint passing and accurate kicking games. The Broncos will now prepare for a Saturday Night Showdown with Manly at Gosford in what could be a match to decide Manly's fate in season 2015.

The Titans on the other hand will be disappointed with their effort. They had plenty of opportunities to score against Brisbane but just couldn't find their way over the try line. Their defence worsened in the 2nd half and before they knew it, they had a blowout on their hands. The loss all but draws the curtains on the Titans 2015 campaign, with a view to 2016 for the boys from the Tweed Heads. The Titans will attempt to snap a 5 game losing streak at home against another struggling side in the Parramatta Eels.

Match Details

Brisbane Broncos 34 Gold Coast Titans 0
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Crowd: 27664
Halftime Score: Brisbane Broncos 18 Gold Coast Titans 0

BRISBANE BRONCOS (34)
Tries: Corey Parker, Darius Boyd, Ben Hunt, Jarrod Wallace, Kodi Nikorima, Alex Glenn
Conversions: Corey Parker (3/5), Jordan Kahu (1/1)
Penalty Goals: Jordan Kahu (1/1)

GOLD COAST TITANS (0)

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:

3 points - Ben Hunt
2 points - Anthony Milford
1 point - Darius Boyd

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary

Hello and welcome to Brisbane for tonight's clash between the table topping Brisbane Broncos and their cross town (I use that term loosely) rivals the Gold Coast Titans. It's a lovely night here in Brisbane and the playing conditions are close to perfect. Brisbane will be keen to maintain their red hot form of late which has seen them hold a 4 point advantage at the top of the ladder after 19 rounds. No changes for the home side, they line up 1-17 and will be happy to welcome back bench utility Kodi Nikorima.
The Titans season is well and truly on the line tonight. They sit at 6-11 after 19 rounds and a loss tonight would knock them out of contention (although not mathematically). They have responded to their last 4 defeats (in which they conceding a whopping 104 points) by dropping captain and Prop Nate Myles to the bench along with Second Rower Lachlan Burr. Gold Coast will have to be at their very best tonight to even stay in touch with Brisbane, however anything is possible in the NRL. Hoping for this one to be a cracking game.

Just to clarify those changes for the Titans. Myles back to the bench and is replaced by journeyman Eddy Pettybourne at Prop and Burr has dropped back to the bench as well and Agnatius Paasi comes into the starting side at second row.
The Titans will need their defence to be top notch tonight to win this game. 4 losses on the trot has been tough on the Tweed Heads based club. However if Gold Coast can play somewhere near the level they showed in their 28-14 win against Canterbury back in Round 14, they could leave Brisbane with a very valuable 2 competition points.

Brisbane's form has been envious for every other club in the NRL. Wayne Bennett has his side incredibly well drilled and playing for each other which is a huge thing in the NRL. They will be aiming for their 8th straight win tonight. Their halves have been the nucleus for their success this year with consistent strong performances that have aided the Broncos classy outside backs. Their squad depth has also been very impressive as they have covered the absence of Origin stars more than once this season . Look for their bench to again have an impact as this match wears on.

We are roughly 20 minutes away from the start of this game folks, so get comfortable or if you're out and about keep doing what you're doing and re join us at 7.45pm!

If you wanna get in contact with us folks tweet us @leagueunlimited or tweet me on @jackyboi90 throughout the evening. Would love to hear your thoughts on the match and anything else Rugby League related!

1: And we have kick off here folks! Gold Coast get 1st use of the ball

2: Good opening sets by the Titans making 50 metres and then Sezer puts in a nice kick that lands only half a metre out rom the Brisbane line! Nice!

4: Brisbane Counter with a nice set of their own and Hoffmann works it out from his own goal line and is grounded 10m out.

6: Brisbane kick it down in the corner in what should be a regulation pick up for Hoffmann but he slips over! He somehow recovers and takes the ball, acrobatic stuff from the Gold Coast #1!

10: This game is being played at a hectic pace, it is no surprise that players are getting tired! Both sides creating opportunities, Titans are here to play folks!

11: Knock on by the Broncos after what was looking like a promising attacking set. Thaiday the culprit this time.

13: Fantastic play by the Titans! Falloon takes it to the line and sends Elgey through a hole, he finds Hoffmann who takes on Boyd but is dragged down only 1m out! Elgey is caught with the ball on the last and it all breaks down, disappointing end for the Titans.

15: TRY BRISBANE BRONCOS
Scored by Corey Parker. Kick to come.
Beautiful ball by Ben Hunt sends Parker under the sticks! Leaves the Titans defender's all at sea and Parker merely has to step of his left past Hoffmann and dive under the posts! 4-0

16: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION BRISBANE BRONCOS
Conversion attempt by Corey Parker successful.
Parker converts his own try from right in front, 6-0 to Brisbane.

16: Will that try break the backs of Gold Coast?

19: Brisbane nearly score again! Boyd goes straight through after nice work by Milford and is motoring away, he sends the ball back to Hunt who is grounded 5m out. On the next play Brisbane play hot potato and Hodges can't hold it. Lucky break there for the Titans.

19: Penalty to Brisbane here, their 3rd of the match. Big Chance for the Broncs here. Titans need to be careful or this could be blowout city...

19: Milford outs in a pin point grubber but McDonald comes to the rescue and slaps it dead. Line Drop out!

22: TRY BRISBANE BRONCOS
Scored by Darius Boyd. Kick to come.
Brisbane are in again! Boyd screams down the left hand side after some nice passing and stumbles his way and slides over the line grounding the ball on the line! 4 points!

22: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION BRISBANE BRONCOS
Conversion attempt by Corey Parker unsuccessful.
Parker's kick won't come back enough and the score remains 10-0.

23: Brisbane lose the ball and give the Titans a chance!

25: Kick on the last by Sezer is a good one but McDonald can't hold on to it and it's a 20m restart

26: TRY BRISBANE BRONCOS
Scored by Ben Hunt. Kick to come.
Marvellous stuff by Ben Hunt, takes on the line, steps inside, then goose steps Hoffmann and out runs the defence to dive under the posts! Wow!

27: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION BRISBANE BRONCOS
Conversion attempt by Corey Parker successful.
Parker bangs it over from right in front, 16-0 folks, trouble brewing...

33: Can the Titans get back into this game? They get a repeat set. You'd think they need to score before half time just for their confidence.

34: Roberts shows some spark and breaks two tackles but his flick pass is knocked on by Mead! Sums up the Titans half...

36: Knock on by Lachlan Maranta after a ripper hit by Redman! Titans get a chance withy 2 and a half mins till half time.

38: However the Titans kick it on the 3rd and blow the opportunity. Need to play some smarter football here the Titans, half time cant come quicker enough.

39: Bizarre scenes here. Broncs get a penalty, tap the ball but then decide they want to kick for Goal. The Titans defence rushes up and tackles Hodges but play is halted, after all of this the referee lets them take a kick for Goal, even though he tapped it!? Bizarre...

40: SUCCESSFUL PENALTY GOAL BRISBANE BRONCOS
Penalty goal attempt by Jordan Kahu successful.
Kahu sends the ball sailing into the stands and extends the Broncos lead to 18-0 at half time here in Brisbane.

40: Well the Broncos have flexed their muscles in this first half after a tense first 15 minutes. 18-0 is the score at the break and it could have been more if not for some mistakes from Brisbane. The Titans are out of sorts and need to complete their sets and get back to playing mistake free footy. If they can get James Roberts in space then he will cause Brisbane some real issues.

40: We're back for the 2nd Half ladies and Gents! Can The Gold Coast turn around the game and keep their season alive or will the Broncos continue their charge on their quest to the Minor Premiership?

43: Gold Coast get a repeat set after a smart kick is grounded by Corey Oates, nice start by the Titans

43: Elgey has been hammered off the ball by Thaiday, Elgey is not in a good way and is still on the ground. We hope for his sake that he is ok.

43: The Hit was late and reckless by Thaiday, no doubt that this will be a penalty and will probably be on report as well...

43: Elgey is up and is taken off on the medi cab, however is talking with the trainer. Penalty to the Titans and Thaiday is on report.

43: Gold Coast on the attack as well now, just 5m out from the Broncos line.

45: Comical by the Titans here, Sezer's ball out the back nears the touchline, picked up by Flash Gordon who sends a pass back to McDonald who knocks the ball on and then Gillett is held back whilst trying to collect the ball. Penalty Brisbane!

46: TRY BRISBANE BRONCOS
Scored by Jarrod Wallace. Kick to come.
Try time again and that could be game over! Milford takes on the line and holds the ball, holds it some more and then pops it to Jarrod Wallace who steam rolls through the defensive line and under the posts. However it appears it was a forward pass. Tough luck for the Gold Coast

47: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION BRISBANE BRONCOS
Conversion attempt by Jordan Kahu successful.
Kahu knocks over his 3rd goal of the evening from underneath the uprights and the Broncos move out to 24-0

49: Desperate defence by Brisbane denies the Titans as Redman burrows low and attempts to go over from Dummy Half. Great tenacity there by the Broncs

51: Gold Coast making plenty of metres as the Broncos forwards start to tire a little bit in the middle of the field, however nothing seems to be going right for them inside the Broncos 20 metre area.

54: Again The Titans are on the attack and for the 3rd time this evening they are caught with it on the last tackle. They are really disorganized without Kane Elgey

56: Tackles in Opposition 20: Gold Coast 33 Brisbane 8.

57: Kane Elgey is out for the evening folks, he has concussion which is no surprise considering with the amount of force he was struck with

64: TRY BRISBANE BRONCOS
Scored by Kodi Nikorima. Kick to come.
With his first touch Nikorima slices through from dummy half! Fools the Titans defence! 28-0. BLOWOUT CITY!

65: SUCCESSFUL CONVERSION BRISBANE BRONCOS
Conversion attempt by Corey Parker successful.
From next to the posts Parker knocks over the Broncos 5th goal of the evening. Brisbane fans getting their money's worth in this game!

69: Error by the Titans at their own end, Brisbane with another chance to score points

71: TRY BRISBANE BRONCOS
Scored by Alex Glenn. Kick to come.
And that is exactly what they do! Milford drifts across field and sends Glenn through a gaping hole, he puts on the after burners and scores in the corner! 34-0

72: UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION BRISBANE BRONCOS
Conversion attempt by Corey Parker unsuccessful.
Parker's kick stays right and refuses to come back. Score stays the same.

73: A nice one on one tackle by Roberts jolts the ball free in one of the few bright spots for the Titans this evening

75: Penalty to the Titans and they have yet another attacking opportunity here folks, can they finally post a try?

77: Brisbane's defence has been superb tonight, brick wall stuff.

79: The Titans kick it on the last but Boyd cleans up! Then they knock it on the 2nd tackle. 10 seconds for the Titans to try and score.

79: Knock on by the Titans and that's it!

80: That's full time here folks. Brisbane have run out big winners by the tune of 34-0. They have dominated Gold Coast from start to finish here in every facet of the word. Not only were the Broncos superb defensively but they were very slick with their attack scoring some very flashy tries. They have now scored 76 points in their last two games. Trouble brewing for fellow NRL teams.
The Titans weren't terrible today but have just run into the Broncos at the worst possible time. They tried vety hard but struggled in the 2nd half when Kane Elgey was taken off. They'll learn from this and be better for it.
That's all from me ladies and gents! This is Jack Clifton signing off!
Make sure you head to leagueunlimited.com to read the full match report later tonight.