Brisbane continue on finals charge

Brisbane have continued their charge to a finals appearance after a workmen-like 22-12 win over the Parramatta Eels in front of 24,607 fans at Suncorp Stadium.

Most had written the Brisbane Broncos off in making the finals series after the injury to Justin Hodges last Sunday afternoon. In his stead though, a young fullback stepped up to dominate the lowly Eels.

It was an unlikely source that crossed first though as Josh McGuire followed his hooker on a quick play-the-ball to go over untouched. Brisbane looked to have not missed a beat even missing Hodges.

Parramatta had to look to their own marquee man, Jarryd Hayne for their inspiration. He drifted across field before finding centre Ryan Morgan who slammed it down for the four pointer.

The Broncos produced a quickfire double salvo to crush the spirits of the young Eels just after the half hour. Josh Hoffman creating a try from nothing when he poked his nose through the line and Corey Oates continuing his impressive start to his NRL career to put them out to 16-6.

Brisbane were at it again in the second half putting another simple backline movement together to put Jack Reed in for the try that sealed the game. The Broncos were continuing their unlikely charge to the finals and Parramatta were a speed bump on that road.

Maitua clawed back some respectability late on when he showed glimpses of his early career form to beat two men on his way to the tryline. Tonight though was all about Brisbane and another two points on the board.

Match Details
Brisbane Broncos 22 Parramatta Eels 12
Venue: Lang Park
Crowd: 24607
Halftime Score: Brisbane Broncos 16-6

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Josh Hoffman
2 points - Scott Prince
1 point - Ben Hannant

BRISBANE BRONCOS (22)
Tries: Josh McGuire, Corey Oates, Josh Hoffman, Jack Reed
Conversions: Scott Prince (3/4)

PARRAMATTA EELS (12)
Tries: Ryan Morgan, Reni Maitua
Conversions: Jake Mullaney (2/2)

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