The Panthers have once again proven they’re the team to beat, putting together a “scrappy” performance to beat the Broncos on a wet night in Brisbane.
Having trailed 6-4 at half time, the Panthers scored two second-half tries and kept the Broncos scoreless to win 14-6.
Playing his first match for the Broncos since the end of May, Reece Walsh’s brilliant solo try gave the Suncorp crowd one of few reasons to cheer.
AS IT HAPPENED: NRL Round 18 Friday
READ MORE: Firebrand in hot water as Sharks’ slump worsens
READ MORE: ‘Stuff that’: Why Inglis turned down NFL heavyweights
“It was pretty scrappy but I felt … we had the upper hand for most of it and we got it done with the defence,” skipper Isaah Yeo told Nine’s Danika Mason after the match.
Mitch Kenny scoring for the Panthers against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in round 18. NRL Images
“Where were periods where we kept them down their own end … but there is stuff to work on in attack.
“I thought the way we defended, they have some really class players – you saw that try with Reece, they’ve got class all over the park – I think we did that really well.”
Walsh told Darren Lockyer he felt the Broncos had taken a step forward, but were still battling momentary lapses in concentration.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
“Baby steps for us, but we have to keep building and keep putting in the effort each week,” he said.
Both sides look set to lose troops for the coming weeks, with Daine Laurie and Jock Madden both going down with hamstring injuries.
Laurie suffered his in the opening minutes, while Madden suffered his after losing a foot race to Brian To’o.
Madden was already in the side as cover for injured veteran Adam Reynolds.
“We can’t seem to catch a break with injuries at the moment, but that’s rugby league, we have to keep rolling with the punches,” Walsh said.
The loss could see the Broncos drop to as low as 12th by the end of the round.