Brisbane Broncos produced the upset of the season, defeating the Sydney Roosters 34-16 in a spiteful encounter tonight at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
While the game will be remembered for sin bins and reports, the Broncos came with a plan and got their third win of the year. It was headlined by a David Mead hat-trick alongside tries to Dale Copley, John Asiata and Keenan Palasia in the memorable win.
It will be a night to forget for Victor Raldey. The fire brand lock was binned twice and put on report four times which will see him spent some time on the sidelines alongside Joseph Manu who was also reported twice. For Brisbane, Matt Lodge and Tyson Gamble were given early showers in the fiery clash.
On a night full of emotion, the Roosters got caught up in that early. Victor Radley was sin-binned for a hit to the head while Broncos enforcer Tavita Pangai Junior was involved in some heated exchanges with the Roosters pack.
Broncos showed some superb skill and got themselves out to a 10-nil lead. Pangai Junior flicked one to a returning Dale Copley then veteran winger David Mead finished off a slick backline play as the upset was on the cards.
Roosters found their way and settled into the contest and piled on the points. The left side worked like a well-oiled machine firstly for Angus Crichton then Daniel Tupou to make it 10-all. It was over to the right for Sitili Tupouniua to stride across after some James Tedesco magic.
These two traded blows all half and the Broncos landed one final blow before the break. Sam Walker has dazzled with his harbour bridge passes but got one wrong which allowed Mead to streak away, making it 16-14 at the break.
Radley spent more time in the bin after another hit to the head which the officals came back to. Broncos profited immediately with John Asiata pounced on a grubber to make it 22-14. Broncos kept the foot on the throat with Keenan Palasia charging onto a short ball to take them past 30 points.