Roosters stun Broncos to get season back on track

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Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters

After a slow start to the season, the Roosters have snapped a three-match losing streak to stun the Broncos by 26-16 at Suncorp Stadium tonight.

A two-try performance from Roosters centre Billy Smith proved the difference, in what could be a season turning performance for Trent Robinson's men who simply out enthused and showed gritty determination to ensure they left Queensland with a valuable two competition points.

Skipper James Tedesco was enormous for the visitors in a typical barnstorming performance running for over 200 metres, as well as a try assist and linebreak.

Brisbane were very scrappy with poor discipline costing the home side, who were simply out muscled by a physical Roosters pack. The poor second half performance will no doubt lead to some rough training sessions at Red Hill from coach Michael Maguire this week.

Despite coming into the match as underdogs, the Tricolours had plenty of ball early and took the lead following a penalty goal to Sandon Smith.

The visitors then extended their lead minutes later, when Billy Smith leapt high to pluck the ball away from Broncos fullback Reece Walsh to score a superb opening try for the visitors.

Smith then went from hero to villain when he was sent to the Sin Bin for a high shot on Reece Walsh. Brisbane took advantage of the extra man when Selwyn Cobbo snatched an intercept to race 50 metres to score a try in the corner.

The home side then had back-to-back tries through Reece Walsh, who broke clear to score after some great lead up work from Adam Reynolds who converted to level the scores at 8 all.

Brisbane then lost Jack Gosiewski to the Sin Bin for a high shot on Victor Radley to give the Broncos a taste of a one-man advantage. Reece Walsh then kicked a penalty goal following a high shot on Adam Reynolds from Angus Crichton to take back the lead.

The major turning point came just before halftime, when Billy Smith then grabbed his second try following a magnificent put down off a James Tedesco grubber close to the line. The Roosters then took the momentum when Angus Crichton crashed over after a clever dummy half run from Connor Watson to give the Roosters at 20-12 lead at halftime.

Brisbane needed to hit back first after halftime and they did when Jesse Arthars scampered over for a try in the corner following a neat pass from Walsh to narrow the scoreline to 20-16.

With the game in the balance the Roosters pack managed to contain Broncos internationals in Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan well, while Angus Crichton and Nat Butcher got through the tough stuff to keep the visitors on the front foot.

Off the back of a mountain of possession, the Broncos defensive line finally cracked when Nat Butcher crashed over off a neat pass from Watson at the ruck which proved the match winner and leave the Suncorp Stadium crowd disappointed.

The Tricolours now prepare for a huge clash with a desperate Penrith at Allianz Stadium next Saturday, while Brisbane will look travel over the ditch to play the Warriors in Auckland.