Broncos strike back in golden point thriller

v BYE

Anthony Milford produced a 40-metre field goal in extra time to give Brisbane a 21-20 victory over North Queensland in the Grand Final rematch, played before 46,176 fans at Suncorp Stadium.

Having had their hearts broken in the 2015 Premiership decider, the Broncos found solace in their ability to overcome their Queensland rivals on Good Friday during a seesawing encounter.

Dominating proceedings early on, Brisbane elected to take several penalty goals before off-season recruit James Roberts set up Anthony Milford for the opening try midway through the first half.

With Corey Parker converting, the Broncos held a 10-0 lead and appeared set to go on with the job, but the injection of Cowboys hooker Jake Granville saw the visitors hit back soon after.

Burrowing over from close range, the former Brisbane product reduced the home sides lead, but another penalty goal from Parker just before halftime saw the Broncos take a 12-6 lead into the change of ends.

Having been undone due to their conservative play in the Grand Final last season, the Broncos continued to persevere with taking penalty goals, as Parker edged Brisbane outside a converted try with over half an hour remaining.

Subsequently, the Cowboys began to take the ascendancy with Thurston's kicking game repeatedly coming up with result for the visitors, including a grubber kick latched onto by Michael Morgan in the 54th minute to set up a thrilling final quarter.

With an obstruction call against Ethan Lowe denying Michael Morgan a second try shortly after, the Cowboys took the lead for the first time in the match after a poor kick allowed the visitors to start a set inside the Broncos half, before Lowe touched down underneath the posts.

Seemingly with the match in control, an error by Lachlan Coote close to the Broncos tryline provided the home side with an opportunity to strike. From the scrum, Anthony Milford opted to run down the blindside, before linking up with James Roberts, who touched down for his first try for Brisbane. With Parker nailing his sixth conversion of the night, the Broncos looked set to avenge their 2015 disappointment.

In a match filled with twists, the final minute ensured fans were left on the edge of their seats, as a penalty close to the sideline saw Johnathan Thurston level the scores, sending the match into Extra Time.

While the Broncos were afforded the first opportunity to attack in Extra Time, the Cowboys had the best chances to secure the win, prior to Milford's last gasp effort.

Knowing Brisbane's awareness of the danger posed by Johnathan Thurston, Cowboys hooker Jake Granville made the audacious call to overrule his captain close to the tryline, only for his pass to winger Kyle Feldt to be called forward, allowing the Broncos a chance to hit back.

Unable to position themselves in good territory, the Broncos provided North Queensland with another opportunity moments later, as Johnathan Thurston chipped towards the right corner. With Kyle Feldt knocking the ball back in-field, Thurston appeared to have sealed the game, only for the bunker to deem he had knocked on whilst grounding the ball.

Having survived two close calls, the Broncos were able to take advantage of their first opportunity as playmaker Anthony Milford nailed his first shot at field goal from 40 metres out to give the home side victory in an absorbing contest.

In Round 5, Brisbane face the Titans on the Gold Coast next Friday, while North Queensland host St. George Illawarra in Townsville on Saturday night.