The Broncos started the match looking more dangerous, but the Warriors were able to scramble and keep from scoring. Both sides traded sets for the first 20 minutes, with each having a try denied by the bunker. Brisbane kept plugging away and soon scored two tries via Xavier Coates in quick succession. A 60-metre sniping run out of dummy-half from Reece Walsh saw the Warriors deep in Brisbane territory. A few tackles later, they were on the scoreboard when Marcelo Montoya finished off a simple backline passing play. The Broncos surged back, and Anthony Milford looked to have scored, but Peta Hiku managed to wrap him up. A few tackles later, Hiku was in the mix again when the Warriors put up a bomb which he kicked on, and after Chad Townsend pushed it into the in-goal, Hiku pounced on the loose ball. The bunker was called on again and denied the Warriors, advising that Hiku had knocked the ball on. This saw the sides go into the sheds, with Brisbane holding a 12-4 lead.
The Warriors started the second half strong, almost nailing a 40/20 on their first set before scoring on their second set when Dallin Watene-Zelezniak put a grubber through which Hiku kick forward before diving on it over the line. The comeback was on as Bunty Afoa almost barged his way across the line, but Josh Curran finished the set off with a nice hit and spin, handing the Warriors the lead. The Broncos took the lead back when Albert Kelly latched onto a fortuitous bouncing ball to score; however, the Warriors responded when Hiku drew in defenders before throwing his trademark flick pass out to DWZ; Walsh missed the conversion, which meant the game was levelled 18 all at the 60-minute mark. The scores stayed locked until Milford crossed the line after his own kick was tapped back to him, handing Brisbane back the lead. Time was running out for the Warriors, but they managed another try after Euan Aitken was ruled by the bunker to have grounded the ball before Coates; Walsh had the chance to level the scores with his conversion from the sideline but shanked it. With time running out, Walsh attempted a two-point field goal, but it swayed to the left, and the Broncos held onto the ball, waiting for the final whistle. The match ended with a bit of frustration on display, with both sides having a pull-apart as the final siren played.
I know I have been saying that I didn't see the Warriors making the top eight; however, this defeat all but seals their fate. They still have a chance at making it if all their stars align, but I just don't see it happening. The Broncos played well here, this isn't the same team that has been poor for the majority of the season, and it just wasn't the Warriors night. I thought the referee and bunker had a shocking night, and while I thought the Warriors were hard-done-by, the Broncos had calls go against them too.
It's frustrating and disappointing, but I hope the team and coaching staff take a massive lesson from this defeat and end the season with two strong performances against the Raiders and Titans.
However, it wasn't all doom and gloom, leading me to my positives from the match.
However, it wasn't all doom and gloom, leading me to my positives from the match.
Match Positives
I thought the majority of the forward pack did well in this match. Lead as always by Addin Fonua-Blake, who ran for 207 metres and lead the Warriors defensively with 38 tackles. He was assisted by some strong efforts from Eliesa Katoa (100m), Afoa (98m) and Aitken (88m). A few more of the pack still need to step up, but the return this week of Matt Lodge should help in that department.
Behind the forwards, the backline looked threatening at times. Montoya, DWZ and Hiku all caused headaches for the Broncos. Walsh had plenty of shining moments, too, especially being lethal when deciding to run from dummy-half. If they all get on the same page, they can create plenty of scoring opportunities. I still have concerns with Adam Pompey, I think he is a good ball runner, but he needs to work on his distribution skills a bit more as he showed in this match that when he decides to set up his winger, the Warriors can score down his edge.
defence
I thought the defense looked better, they did miss 35 tackles, but the team were sliding to plug up holes in the line and looked more in control. They appeared to be communicated better and is hopefully a sign that with the team not having wholesale changes, they are started to gel and build combinations. It may be too little too late for 2020, but it could be the start of a fruitful 2021.
I had concerns, which brings me to my negatives from the match.
Match Negatives
The Warriors were hurt by a slow start once again. Too often this season, the Warriors have allowed their opposition to score the first two or three tries. This just makes things harder for them, as any team on their day can give you trouble. The Warriors cannot continue to allow teams to run up an early lead as it will only lead to misery as they cannot rely on massive comeback attempts to get them out of jail every time.
Errors continue to be an issue for the Warriors; they made 11 in this match. Many of them came from poor carries. Ball security is a must; with a comeback needed, the Warriors tried pushing things a bit too much, and it backfired. Fixing those slow starts will help in this department, too, as it will stop them from needing to chance thier arm as much. When they played simple football, they managed to score with relative ease. More of that this week and the points will come.
Goalkicking was an issue in this match, with Walsh only kicking one from five. Plenty of critics have pulled the youngster apart for his poor showing, but he made up for it in other ways. I guess the question is when it looked like he was having an off night, why didn't Nathan Brown switch to Chad Townsend or Chanel Harris-Tavita?
Speaking of Brown, my last negative is his use of the interchange. I have criticized his use of the bench many times this season, and he still has me scratching my head. He didn't use all of his interchanges and only brought Jack Murchie on for just over 10 minutes, which makes me question why he had him there in the first place? He needs to make smarter decisions on how to use his bench, when to inject forwards into the match and when to get players off before they start to make errors due to fatigue.
Warrior of the Match
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| Copyright Photo: Getty Images |
My Warrior of the match goes to Peta Hiku. He was a constant threat on attack, scoring a try, being denied another, and setting up one for DWZ. Not to forget his defensive efforts with his try-saving tackle on Milford. He has been strong since his return from injury, and I think it was a huge mistake allowing him to walk away at the end of the year; I'm sure they could have convinced him to stay with the offer of a longer deal, but it is too late now. I hope we see more of his awesome try assists in his final two matches for the club. The Cowboys have got a talented player with gas still in the tank.
Warrior to Improve
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| Copyright Photo: Warriors.kiwi |
My Warrior to improve goes to Bayley Sironen. I couldn't find any images of him from this match because he was that invisible. He only played 48 minutes and ran for 48m; he did make 35 tackles, but the Warriors need a bigger effort out of their lock; if that was me, it would be the last game for the season for Sironen with either Jazz Tevaga or Josh Curran taking the No.13 for the last two matches. Sironen is a talent, but he needs to start offering more with the ball in hand if he wants to keep his spot. Especially with the performances, the Warriors have been getting out of Curran and Aitken.
Next rounds thoughts and prediction
Round 24 sees the Warriors return to Friday night football, travelling to BB Print Stadium in Mackay to face the Canberra Raiders. The Raiders are hard to gauge; they have been awful for long stretches of the season and are currently sitting on a two-game losing streak. I come into this match worried as I don't know if the Raiders are bad enough to lose three in a row. The Warriors will welcome back Matt Lodge, and apart from that, I don't know what other changes will happen. Wayde Egan should go back to starting hooker with Tevaga moving to lock. Since Brown opted to bring Townsend back, I say stick with him instead of changing the halves once again. It will be another tough encounter, but I think the return of Lodge should give the Warriors the edge, so I am optimistically picking the Warriors to get the win by 8.
What are your thoughts on Nathan Browns interchange use
Who was your player of the day?
Who was your player to improve?
What is your score prediction against the Raiders?
I think this game went as expected, the Broncos have been a much improved side lately and maybe four consecutive wins is just a bit beyond us at the moment. The game was very even but the Broncos were just a bit better, more creative and took their opportunities.
ReplyDeleteErrors continue to hurt us as we often concede points following our own mistakes. Something that infuriates me and is quite unforgivable is play the ball errors; you have all the rights and it's a simple thing to do so even if it takes you two more seconds, get it right!!
I sort of felt okay about the loss after Aitken was awarded that late try which he clearly didn't score. It's like we didn't quite deserve it. I know Hiku had a disallowed try earlier and that was a bit more acceptable but I wonder if Henry Perenara will last much longer in the bunker?
I was actually a bit disappointed to not see O'Sullivan play this game. I know Townsend has the experience but I thought for consistency and as show of confidence in the younger player O'Sullivan should have been there as he has been going well.
On a related note, maybe Brown wanted to give Walsh the chance to dig himself out of the goal kicking hole rather than give the job to someone else mid-game. Not wanting to dent his confidence and all that. All goal kickers have been there and it is said that young players have to go through that stuff etc so let's hope he improves.
I don't notice the interchange as much as you so I can't really comment but I do know that Murchie was playing pretty well last season and does probably deserve more game time.
Hiku was also my player of the day. I think oppositions continue to underestimate him as he doesn't look like the game changer that he can be. It was quite delightful telegraphing his signature offload for that try. As Warriors fans we could see it coming as the play unfolded and it was so satisfying to watch.
My player to improve goes to anyone guilty of making an unforced, inexcusable error like I mentioned before. Stop it! It's killing us!
The Raiders will be tough and motivated. I can't see us winning this game but I always pick my team so this week, Warriors by 2.
Nothing much to add Brad to your usual insightful comments.Yes Sironen is a good defender but needs to offer more on attack.I’d like to see Kodi back off bench at no 14, but if Otukolo is fit he’d be better. Kodi does offer a bit of energy and enthusiasm when he’s on.We seem to be missing a bit of energy around the dummy half play the ball.Perhaps Egan is still nursing his injury.
ReplyDeleteUnsure whether we play Townsend or SOS.I’d probably plump for the experience of Townsend for this ultra important game.
Yes our first 20 mins lacked intensity.Brown said the team played too conservatively.
But as an eternal optimist I am picking the boys to beat Raiders but it will be close.
Yes Peta Hiku player of day by a large margin.