LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
In a thrilling match at Suncorp Stadium, the Brisbane Broncos put up a brave fight against the Melbourne Storm but ultimately fell short, losing 32-22.
Despite missing several key players, the Broncos showed great depth and resilience throughout the game.
With just 10 minutes left on the clock, they held a narrow 22-20 lead, but two late tries from the Storm sealed their fate.
One player who stood out for the Broncos was emerging fullback Tristan Sailor.
He displayed incredible speed and agility, racking up an impressive 180 meters, breaking eight tackles, and contributing two try assists and three line break assists.
Sailor's defensive plays were also crucial in keeping the Broncos in the game.
The Broncos' forwards also put in a tremendous effort.
Corey Jensen made 126 meters and completed 40 tackles, while Brendan Piakura gained 103 running meters and broke four tackles.
Their hard work and determination were evident throughout the match.
In the backline, Corey Oates and Delouise Hoeter covered a significant amount of ground, each accumulating 166 meters.
Their strong performances helped the Broncos maintain pressure on the Storm's defense.
The Broncos started the game on a high note when stand-in captain Thomas Flegler scored a try next to the posts, courtesy of a well-executed pass from Tyson Smoothy.
Debutant Josh Rogers successfully converted the try, giving the Broncos an early 6-0 lead.
Continuing their impressive start, the Broncos extended their lead to 12-0 with a try from Jordan Pereira in the right corner.
Tristan Sailor's accurate long pass set up the scoring opportunity, and Rogers added the extras with a successful conversion from the touchline.
However, the Storm quickly fought back, with Grant Anderson touching down a grubber kick on the left edge to narrow the margin to 12-4 in the 16th minute.
This try ignited the Storm's comeback and set the stage for a thrilling contest.
Despite their commendable efforts, the Broncos couldn't hold off the relentless Storm attack in the final minutes of the match.
The Storm's late surge proved too much for the Broncos to handle, resulting in a disappointing loss for the home team.
Overall, the Broncos can take pride in their performance, especially considering the absence of key players.
Their display of depth and resilience bodes well for the team's future, and they will look to bounce back stronger in their next outing.