Michael Chee-Kam was the hero for the Wests Tigers as they condemned Brisbane to a 1-4 start to the season in the wake of a clutch 22-16 win at Suncorp Stadium.
Just minutes after the Broncos came up with a shambolic set as they tried to position themselves for a field goal with scores locked at 16-16, Chee-Kam smashed through the Brisbane defensive blitz to bustle over next to the posts and take the Tigers to 3-2 under coach Michael Maguire.
Bronco buster: Luke Brooks jumps for joy as Michael Chee Cam scores his match-winning try.Credit:AAP
The Broncos had eyes only for Luke Brooks as he lined up for a shot and managed to stifle that attempt. But they weren't able to halt Chee-Kam as he beat defenders and dragged more over the line on an unscripted, stop-start run. He was mobbed by teammates, while Brisbane were left to ponder another poor showing for Anthony Seibold.
Their key playmakers – Anthony Milford, Kodi Nikorima and Andrew McCullough – are certain to come under fresh scrutiny for their inability to structure sets and control the contest when it was on the line. Their attempt to set up for a field goal looked like bad physical comedy.
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Already feeling the heat, Seibold had implored Broncos fans to trust the process. He must hope they have deep reserves of patience after a spluttering start that has them near the bottom of the ladder.
The first half was an exhibition in how to leave points on the field, with both sides guilty of failing to convert relatively simple chances.
Brisbane and the Tigers traded tries to have the Broncos leading 8-6 at half-time, with Matt Gillett crossing early for the home side before Luke Garner scored deeper in the half for the visitors.
Game over: The Tigers celebrate while the Broncos wonder what just happened.Credit:AAP
In the meantime, Esan Marsters butchered one for the Tigers and Jack Bird had a shocker for the Broncos when he dropped a Corey Oates pass with the line begging.
Both sides lost key men to head knocks for the second half, with Robert Jennings gone for the Tigers and crucially for Brisbane, Gillett failing to pass his test. There were reports of some blurred vision, which was an obvious concern given his history of a serious neck injury.
Payne Haas was exceptional in his first shift back in the NRL, producing 12 carries for 98m and at one stage taking three of five runs for his side. He's an undeniable talent and the Broncos need him in the rotation for the rest of the year if they hope to stage a recovery.
Brisbane's two-point lead didn't last long after thRead More – Source
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