Poms in Oz: Broncos topple Rabbitohs

Brisbane’s Jack Reed went head-to-head against South Sydney’s Luke Burgess, and came out on top as the Broncos defeated the Rabbitohs 26-12.

With Sam Burgess out injured and brother George named only as 19th man, Luke was the only Burgess brother to don the green and red of South Sydney in what was expected to be an exciting game.

However the Broncos blitzed the Rabbitohs, who never seriously looked like contenders to win the match in the second half.

The result cements Brisbane’s position in the NRL, but South Sydney drop to seventh in a league that separates second to eighth by four points.

Justin Hodges grabbed Brisbane’s first try shortly after the game’s quarter mark. Chris McQueen replied for the visitors shortly before half time. Adam Reynolds’ conversion gave the Rabbitohs a 6-4 lead at the break.

Alex Glenn put the Broncos back in the lead three minutes into the second half, but Souths replied quickly through Nathan Merritt. 

From there it was all down hill as the Rabbitohs collapsed in the final half hour. Dale Copely, Corey Norman and Ben Te’o added more woe to Michael Maguire’s men. 

James Graham’s Canterbury side defeated Gareth Widdop’s table toppers Melbourne Storm 20-4 on Sunday afternoon. 

Graham started the game as usual from the bench, but came on the field to create a storm of his own up the middle.

Widdop started at fullback again in order to cover the injured Billy Slater, but none of the Storm’s players seemed to have an answer to the Bulldogs.

Ben Barba got the game’s first try early before Kristan Inu grabbed the first of his double before half time.

Anthony Quinn replied for the home side, before Inu scored his second and Josh Morris sealed the game off with a try five minutes before the end.

Chris Heighington’s Wests Tigers lost in a high scoring game, 38-20 to Newcastle Knights.

Heighington remained in the number 13 shirt, and was consistent throughout the math.

Wests grabbed an early lead through Chris Lawrence and Lote Tuqiri before the Knights replied with their 38 unanswered points.

Timana Tahu’s hat trick secured the win for the Knights, while Akuila Uate Chris Houston and James McManus added tries.

Wests grabbed consolation in the dying minutes with a try from Masada Iosefa.

Ahead of the final State of Origin match three English players will get one weeks rest. Canterbury Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm will receive a bye from round 17.