The Brisbane Broncos were in complete control of their game against the Dolphins in heavy rain on Friday Night at Suncorp Stadium, despite the scoreboard suggesting it was a close encounter.
The Broncos forwards made big metres all game, courtesy of a great game by hooker Cory Paix, while the experienced halves Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds kept the Dolphins flat footed at the back with their great kicking game.
But it was the opposing centres, Gehamat Shibasaki and Herbie Farnworth that were the stars. Both of them were making big metres, breaking tackles and being the biggest attacking weapon for their respective sides all game.
The Broncos opened the scoring in the eleventh minute through a good passing movement allowed them to play through the line, where eventually a good ball put Shibasaki into open space and he raced 25 metres to score. Reynolds failed to convert.
Five minutes later, the Broncos extended their lead when Paix caught the Dolphins markers napping and he scooted over from dummy half to score. Reynolds converted.
In the twentieth minute, Felise Kaufusi had a strong run close to the Broncos line, then held the ball up as he fell forward in the low tackle, before dishing a perfect ball to Max Plath in support, who scored near the posts. Jamayne Isaako converted.
8 minutes before the break, the Broncos hit back when Kotoni Staggs, out on the right side, drifted towards his winger, holding the ball out shaping to pass before eventually burrowing over himself to score. Reynolds converted and at halftime the Broncos were up 16-6.
15 minutes of grinding footy opened the second half before Reece Walsh produced a lovely catch and pass that put Shibasaki into space and he raced over to score in the corner. Reynolds failed to convert from the sideline.
The Broncos defence shut down the Dolphins attack for the bulk of the next 20 minutes. But in the 75th minute, Jake Averillo received the ball from his dummy half, 8 metres from his own line, and ran around some lazy Broncos markers before going the distance to score a great 92 metre solo try. Isaako converted.
The Dolphins could not trouble the scorers further and the Broncos ran out victors 20-12.