Vale: Terry Hill
10 hours ago | National Rugby League
Barba's Bulldogs bite Broncos finals hopes
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have fought back after conceding 14 points, to run away winners 22-14 over the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium in front of 19,870 fans.
The Broncos turned up to fight for their top 8 position as they ran in two unanswered tries in the first six minutes. Corey Parker once again succumbed to injury which gave Ben Te'o a chance at lock forward. Te'o stood up to the challenge as he busted the defensive line to run over first points.
In another position change, Corey Norman shifted to fullback and his strong run saw him power over the whitewash. After six minutes, the Broncos were shock leaders 12-0.
Peter Wallace opted for a penalty goal late first half, after the Aidan Tolman was penalised for not playing square at marker. The Broncos extend their lead to 14-0.
The Bulldogs finally mounted some attack as Josh Jackson burst through a hole to bash his way over for a four-pointer. The Bulldogs hit back just before half time to bring up the 14-6 score at the break.
With an eight point difference at half time, the Bulldogs required a massive second half to overcome their poor start.
Martin Taupau answered that call as the big running forward cracked the defence to 'Kapow' is way through for points. Krisnan Inu closed the gap to two with his conversion. Inside the final half hour, Broncos lead 14-12.
Man of the match Ben Barba sealed the victory for the Bulldogs with two spectacular tries. His first try scored as he reached around to somehow ground the Steeden shy of the dead ball line. The Bulldogs all fighting as they hit the lead for the first time, 16-14.
In a brilliant display of skill, Barba broke through two tackles before skipping away from Peter Wallace to race away and post his second try. His solo effort topped off a wonderful second half performance from his teammates.
At the conclusion of 80 minutes, the Bulldogs fought back into the contest to close victors 22-14 over the Broncos.
The Bulldogs claimed their 11th straight victory and they extend their gap on the ladder as they hope to obtain the minor premiership for the first time since 1994. They will face the Wests Tigers next week at ANZ Stadium as the Tigers will be on song to seal their 8th position on the NRL Ladder.
Meanwhile the Brisbane boys will hope to bounce back at Suncorp Stadium with a game against the Melbourne Storm.
Match Details
Canterbury Bulldogs 22 defeated Brisbane Broncos 14
National Rugby League - Round 23 - Sunday August 12, 2012 3:00pm
Venue: ANZ Stadium
Referee: Tony Archer and Gavin Badger
Video Referee: Sean Hampstead
Touch Judges: Paul Holland and Jason Walsh
Crowd: 19,870
Halftime: Canterbury Bulldogs 6 Brisbane Broncos 14
Leagueunlimited.com players of the match:
3 Points - Ben Barba (2 Tries)
2 Points - Aiden Tolman
1 Point - Sam Perrett
Canterbury Bulldogs (22)
Tries: Ben Barba (2), Martin Taupau, Josh Jackson
Conversions: Krisnan Inu (3/4)
Brisbane Broncos (14)
Tries: Ben Te'o, Corey Norman
Conversions: Peter Wallace (2/2)
Penalty Goals: Peter Wallace (1/1)
LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Welcome to NRL Sunday as we bring you LIVE coverage from ANZ Stadium with the Bulldogs hosting the Brisbane Broncos.
TEAM NEWS:
The Bulldogs have one change to the starting line-up with James Graham ruled out. Martin Taupau is called up to take his position. Taupau's bench spot is filled by James Gavet in jersey #20.
The Broncos are without Josh Hoffman who is out with injury, as result Corey Norman comes into the starting side at fullback. Luke Capewell is added to the bench in Norman's place.
We are minutes away from kick off here at ANZ Stadium, both sides going through their final preparations.
1 min: We are UNDERWAY at ANZ stadium with the Broncos kicking off.
3 min: TRY
TRY Brisbane Broncos
Scored by Ben Te'o. Conversion attempt by Corey Norman successful.
Ben Te'o busted through the line to race to the whitewash after taking a lovely ball from ben Hunt. Great start from the Broncos as Te'o ran over the top of Ben Barba.
Brisbane Broncos 6-0
6 min: TRY
TRY Brisbane Broncos
Scored by Corey Norman. Conversion attempt by Peter Wallace successful.
Corey Norman claims the Broncos second in six minutes as the Broncos bust through the Bulldogs line with some hard running. Matt Gillett found a gap and popped a pass to put Corey Norman over for the Broncos second.
Brisbane Broncos 12-0
8 min: The Broncos back up their try with a good set from the kick restart. They chase off the kick is good as the Bulldogs are forced to start their set on their 10 metre line.
8 min: UNFORCED ERROR Canterbury Bulldogs
Aiden Tolman coughs up the ball to the Broncos. Chance for their third try
10 min: First penalty of the game for the Broncos, dangerous tackle from Aiden Tolman and Martin Taupau. Broncos take the quick tap and attack 20 metres from the Bulldogs line.
12 min: PENALTY GOAL
PENALTY GOAL Brisbane Broncos
Penalty goal attempt by Peter Wallace successful.
The Broncos opted for the penalty goal after the Bulldog were penalised for Aiden Tolman not being square at marker.
Brisbane Broncos 14-0
14 min: INTERCHANGE: Dale Finucane comes on and Marty Taupau gets a rest
15 min: Penalty against Peter Wallace for not clearing the ruck quick enough for the referee's liking. Bulldogs attacking inside the Broncos 40 metre line.
17 min: Video Referee for ben barba, Bulldogs looking to get points. Double knock is something possible here.
17 min: NO TRY! the call for Ben Barba is ruled against him.
18 min: Sam Thaiday found some pace and broke the line to link up with Ben Hunt who was pulled down 5 metres from the goal line. On the last tackle, the Bulldogs forced in goal with Ben Barba unable to get out of the in goal.
20 min: Corey Norman kicked for the in goal area on the last tackle but Sam Perrett on the mark to take it clean and give his side a 20 metre restart.
20 min: Michael Ennis with a lazy pass is pinged for a forward pass. Broncos get another chance at the line with a scrum feed on the 40 metre line.
22 min: Lachlan Maranta with a great take in goal took the kick and earned his side a 20 metre tap.
23 min: Ben Te'o busted up to the line after a big from Ben Hannant. Bulldogs escape without conceding more points.
25 min: Krisnan Inu leapt in the air to take the kick from Peter Wallace and get his set on the front foot to start their set on the 10 metre line.
28 min: UNFORCED ERROR Brisbane Broncos
Matt Gillett jumped through line looking to take the pass and almost came up with the play for points. However the Bulldogs come up with possession on their 10 metre line.
31 min: Kris Keating kicking across the field on the last for the Bulldogs but the kick taken by Jack Reed shy of the goal line.
35 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs for Peter Wallace again failing to clear the ruck. The Bulldogs attack on halfway
35 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs against Jack Reed for a late hit on the Krisnan Inu after the held call. The Bulldogs attack inside the Broncos 10 metre line.
37 min: TRY
TRY Canterbury Bulldogs
Scored by Josh Jackson. Conversion attempt by Krisnan Inu successful.
Josh Jackson took the short pass on the inside to bust the defensive line and race over the goal line.
Brisbane Broncos 14-6
39 min: UNFORCED ERROR Brisbane Broncos
Jack Reed makes an unforced error.
With 6 seconds on the clock, the Bulldogs race to the scrum and call time off.
40 min: The Bulldogs unable to find the line with six seconds to play, the siren sounds so at HALF TIME the Broncos lead 14 points to 6 at ANZ Stadiuma
40 min: We are go for the second half and from the kick off the second tackle the Broncos earn a penalty. Bulldogs holding down too long in the ruck. Broncos take the free kick and march up over halfway to start their set.
45 min: End to end stuff here so far, both teams kicking down to the corner and playing through the middle of the park.
49 min: UNFORCED ERROR Brisbane Broncos
Justin Hodges has "most definitely" knocked on as took the ball over the sideline. The Bulldogs with the scrum feed on the Broncos 10 metre line. Massive chance for points.
49 min: UNFORCED ERROR Brisbane Broncos
Corey Norman threw the hand out to save the try as Ben Barba threw a lovely cut out pass to Sam Perrett but caught by Norman. Scrum feed again for the Bulldogs on the Broncos 10 metre line.
52 min: TRY
TRY Canterbury Bulldogs
Scored by Martin Taupau. Conversion attempt by Krisnan Inu successful.
Martin Taupau back on the field after coming off earlier has crashed over the goal line after taking a run up to take the pass. Big run closes the gap to two points.
Brisbane Broncos 14-12
56 min: Penalty to the Bulldogs for a tackle on Sam Perrett in mid-air. The Bulldogs escape the in goal area.
57 min: Second quick penalty sees the Bulldogs march up over halfway. They getting piggybacked up field now.
58 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Bulldogs, Ben Barba has flown through and claimed points
58 min: TRY
TRY Canterbury Bulldogs
Scored by Ben Barba. Conversion attempt by Krisnan Inu successful.
Ben Barba flew through off kick and reached out to ground it shy of the dead ball line. Wonderful fighting spirit from the Bulldogs.
Canterbury Bulldogs 16-14
65 min: The Broncos looked to spread the ball but unable to get the passes to stick and ended up with the touch judge. Scrum feed for the Bulldogs
67 min: Penalty to the Broncos against Krisnan Inu for a tackle on Jack Reed without the ball. Broncos kick for touch and find it to march up into the Bulldogs side of halfway
69 min: Justin Hodges threw the offload before going into touch, looking very lost at the goal line. Michael Ennis dived on the loose ball to save the try. Bulldogs work it out of their 10 metre line.
69 min: UNFORCED ERROR Canterbury Bulldogs
Frank Pritchard made a meal of the pass from the Krisnan Inu offload. A shocking play as he only tried to take the ball with one arm. Bulldogs had a chance to race away for points. Broncos lucky and come up with it.
71 min: UNFORCED ERROR Canterbury Bulldogs
Ben Barba juggled the ball in the air after taking the Wright pass but unable to hold onto possession. He would of raced away 70 metres to score. But, again the Broncos get another shot at the Bulldogs line.
72 min: UNFORCED ERROR Brisbane Broncos
Andrew McCullough fails to pick up the ball from dummy half as Justin Hodges knocked the ball out with his boot. Bulldogs pack a scrum feed on their 10 metre line.
74 min: UNFORCED ERROR Brisbane Broncos
Matt Gillett lost possession as Sam Perrett jammed up and put the hit on. The Bulldogs celebrate with the play and get a scrum feed on their 30 metre line.
76 min: TRY
TRY Canterbury Bulldogs
Scored by Ben Barba. Conversion attempt by Krisnan Inu unsuccessful.
Ben Barba all class has he pulled the match winner out of nothing. He stepped out of the tackle of Peter Wallace and skipped away to score. Ben Barba another top performance today.
Canterbury Bulldogs 24-14
78 min: VIDEO REFEREE for the Broncos, Peter Wallace is claiming. Looking at a strip
78 min: Peter Wallace is denied and the Broncos get a penalty for a Bulldogs player getting held off the play
80 min: The siren sounds here at ANZ Stadium and the Bulldogs win their 11th straight win as the down the Broncos 22-14