Brisbane strike back at Suncorp

v BYE

Five weeks ago the Broncos were at a low coming off a loss to the Roosters. Fast-forward to now and Wayne Bennett's men temporarily sit inside the top four courtesy of a 24-14 win at Suncorp Stadium, played before a crowd of 37,566.

On the back-foot for much of the first half, the Broncos rose above their opponents to send retiring captain Corey Parker out a winner in his final regular season match, but will be looking to build heading into next week's final.

With seemingly little to play for, the Roosters defied expectations with a strong start at Suncorp, opening the scoring in the sixth minute courtesy of a try to former Bronco Dale Copley.

Midway through the first half, the visitors extended their lead following some enterprising passing that saw Connor Watson crash under the posts in the 26th minute, while a further penalty goal from Blake Ferguson enabled the Roosters to take a commanding 14-0 lead.

Consistently pressuring the Broncos line, the home side produced a remarkable finish to the first half by crossing twice in a matter of minutes. Playmaker Anthony Milford finished off a superb break by Corey Oates in the 32nd minute, while a fortuitous bounce for James Roberts minutes later saw Brisbane enter the sheds trailing by just two despite the best efforts of the Roosters.

In addition to the pain endured by the Roosters on the scoreboard, injuries to Latrell Mitchell (hip) and Dale Copley (concussion) cruelled their chances heading into the second half.

With both sides exchanging blows after the resumption of play, a penalty goal to Anthony Milford in the 50th minute saw the scores locked up at 14-all with Brisbane gaining ascendancy.

Shortly afterwards Jordan Kahu gave the Broncos the lead for the first time after exposing the Roosters with some enterprising ball movement.

For the remainder of the match, the Roosters tried to break through the Brisbane defence to no avail, before James Roberts streaked away late in the match to set up Kahu's second try seven minutes before fulltime.

Despite the best efforts of the Roosters and a courageous return from injury by Latrell Mitchell, the Broncos proved too strong at home.

With their season in tatters before a ball had been kicked, Roosters coach Trent Robinson will be left to rue a series of missed opportunities. However a strong showing from Mitchell Pearce, as well as impressive performances from youngsters Latrell Mitchell, Connor Watson, Joseph Manu and debutant Nat Butcher should give Eastern Suburbs supporters hope heading into 2017.

Next week the Broncos play their first final. With seven matches still to play the Broncos will not finish any lower than sixth and are likely to host an elimination final, but may find themselves facing off against either Melbourne or Cronulla away from home should results fall their way and they end up fourth.