VIDEO: Broncos batter Wigan
The Brisbane Broncos have smashed Wigan 42-12 in the World Club Series, in what was another tough night for Super League.
Wigan were committed and enthusiastic but the Broncos were a cut above them. After St Helens were dominated by the Roosters on Friday night, it has been a difficult World Club Series for English rugby league.
It was a positive start for the Warriors with Willie Isa held up over the line on seven minutes. But then the home team’s luck soon ran out.
A few minutes later Corey Oates dived over on the left wing for the opening score, but a foot looked to have been dangled into touch. Regardless, the video referee ruled it a try controversially despite the home crowd’s disapproval.
Try @brisbanebroncos!#WorldClubSeries #NRL https://t.co/Uhy9c5xSS7
— NRL (@NRL) February 20, 2016
On 16 minutes Michael McIllorum went down with what appeared to be a serious injury. Play was halted for several minutes before he was helped from the field.
McIllorum has a suspected broken ankle and will be out for some time.
It got worse for Wigan when Kodi Nikorima cleaned up the crumbs of a kick for Brisbane’s second try. They took a 12-0 lead.
Another Nikorima scores in the #WorldClubSeries!@brisbanebroncos now lead 12-0 after 19 minutes.NRL?src=hash”>#NRL https://t.co/SaJb3BfEOR
— NRL (@NRL) NRL/status/701142143830654976″>February 20, 2016
But eight minutes left in the half and Dan Sarginson crashed over. After some scrappy play Wigan got the ball back and Sarginson finished off Liam Farrell‘s short ball.
Cherry and white delight!
Try @WiganWarriorsRL.#WorldClubSeriesNRL?src=hash”>#NRL https://t.co/IEUoSuU2Ze
— NRL (@NRL) NRL/status/701143489283686400″>February 20, 2016
The try took the score to 12-6. But seven minutes before half-time Matt Gillett glided over for Brisbane’s third, an easy try which gave them a 18-6 lead.
It got worse for the Warriors when Jarrod Wallace claimed the Broncos’ fourth right on half-time.
A lovely little pass from Anthony Milford opened up Wigan’s defence, giving the Australians an 18-point buffer.
Greg Eden continued to have a solid debut for the Broncos.
Tackle and read from Greg Eden!#WorldClubSeries NRL?src=hash”>#NRL pic.twitter.com/jZA9H2eQSG
— NRL (@NRL) NRL/status/701154671289708544″>February 20, 2016
On 43 minutes Corey Oates extended Brisbane’s lead with a four-pointer in the corner.
Weather the storm.
Score at the other end!@brisbanebroncos #WorldClubSeries NRL?src=hash”>#NRL https://t.co/qLUpCuG1jq
— NRL (@NRL) NRL/status/701156341285408768″>February 20, 2016
Wigan were battling but the Broncos were just too classy and clinical.
Next it was Nikorima’s chance to get another one the scoresheet, capping off a fantastic peformance from the halfback.
Corey Parker‘s conversion to the score to 36-6. There was still time for former Hull KR fullback Eden to dart 80-odd metres to get his own try.
It was an impressive finish off the back of a scrum near his own try-line.
Some serious pace from Greg Eden!#WorldClubSeries NRL?src=hash”>#NRL https://t.co/kw7E4aYiaF
— NRL (@NRL) NRL/status/701160281783738368″>February 20, 2016
Oates touched down for his second with an acrobatic dive in the left-hand corner, but the video referee ruled him out of bounds and no try was given.
With four minutes left Wigan finally managed a second try, George Williams scoring after some scrappy play.
Sam Powell converted for the final score of 42-12.