Penrith punish rusty Roosters
7 hours ago | Aidan Edgecomb
The Brisbane Broncos under-20s bounced back after a disappointing opening round to record a 14-8 win over the New Zealand Warriors on Friday evening at Suncorp Stadium.
Three first-half tries to the home side played a pivotal role in setting up the victory.
Leading 8-4 at half time, Brisbane extended their led in the 45th minute when Tevita Pangai weaved his way to place the ball under the post.
Hayden O'Hara raised the flags to register the first conversion of the evening.
After the free flowing first half fatigue began to take over as the contest became a defensive slog.
The Warriors ensured it would be an exciting final five minutes as Kane Telea dived over in the right hand corner, being the beneficiary over a fantastic flick pass from Keanu Dawson.
New Zealand tried hard to pinch the game at the death but sloppy handling saw Brisbane hang on to their six-point lead.
In the third minute David Fauid handed the ‘young' Broncos the perfect start to the contest.
As the winger pounced onto a perfectly placed Will Brimson grubber, Brisbane led 4-nil.
The home side doubled their advantage when hooker Kalolo Saitaua barged his over in the right-hand corner in the eighth minute.
The Broncos young defensive brigade fought hard to keep the Warriors attack at bay, however undisciplined penalties gifted the visitor's prime field position.
In the 27th minute Brisbane's defensive wall finally cracked allowing New Zealand's Zion Ioka to burrow over the try-line and gain his sides first points.
After a free flowing first half the Broncos headed in the sheds holding on to a slender 8-4 lead.
Brisbane Broncos 14 (David Fauid, Kalolo Saitaua, Tevita Pangai tries; Hayden O'Hara goal) defeated New Zealand Warriors 8 (Kane Telea, Zion Ioka tries) at Suncorp Stadium.