Broncos inflict a Knight-mare in Newcastle

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Newcastle Knights v Brisbane Broncos

A late flurry of tries in the final 13 minutes has seen the Brisbane Broncos post an emphatic 36-12 win over the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Making the most of a contentious obstruction ruling with the game on the line at 14-12, the Broncos ran in 22 points in the final moments to extend their dominant run to five straight wins for the first time since 2017.

Coming out of the sheds with attacking intentions from the kick-off, the Knights got off to a strong start with Adam Clune executing a well-weighted grubber that contacted off the hand of Broncos debutant Ezra Mam into the arms of Tyson Frizell (9th minute).

Going close to extending their lead on multiple occasions only for Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Frizell to lose the ball over the line, the Knights were left to lament a single try during the opening half despite dominating possession.

Playing without captain Adam Reynolds due to a groin injury, the Broncos managed to find the try line midway through the first half with Billy Walters (25th minute) collecting his first try in Brisbane colours by making the most of a six-again call.

Appearing to strike a critical blow late in the half following a terrific attacking kick from Anthony Milford in his club debut, a try to Dane Gagai was overturned after the bunker ruled the returning centre failed to re-grip the ball in the act of grounding.

Breaking the halftime deadlock after a goal line error from Dominic Young invited the Broncos on the attack, Jordan Riki (49th minute) charged onto a short pass from Tyson Gamble to put the visitors up 12-6.

Staggs, filling in as goal-kicker, pushed the margin out beyond a converted try following a late tackle from Jacob Saifiti on Gamble, however the Broncos were left to watch in awe a few sets later as Kalyn Ponga (61st minute) streaked onto a short pass from Mat Croker to score next to the posts.

Going the length of the field despite Clune appearing to be obstructed inside the Broncos half, Kotoni Staggs combined with Selwyn Cobbo (67th minute) to the disgust of 13,312 parochial supporters.

Blowing the game open during the final ten minutes with Corey Oates (70th minute) and Cobbo (74th minute) continuing their try-scoring prowess, an intercept from Milford on fulltime allowed Herbie Farnworth (80th minute) to complete a 36-12 rout.

Next week, the Knights face the Warriors in Redcliffe on Saturday afternoon, while the Broncos return home for a Friday night rivalry opposite the Titans.