The Brisbane Broncos beat the Parramatta Eels 17-4 in the NRL 2016 opener at Pirtek stadium last night.
The opening interchange of play was fast paced, with all players looking leaner and fitter due to the new interchange rule of only being able to use 8 substitutes then 10.
The first try of the season came in the 14th minute when Adam Blair took the ball to line before passing wide to create an overlap for the Broncos, allowing Jordan Kahu to score in the corner.
Corey Parker converted a penalty goal in the 23rd minute then the Broncos again exposed the Eels’ right-side defence with Anthony Milford scoring from 50 metres out in the 25th minute.
Parramatta scored their only points in the 31st minute when Clint Gutherson became the beneficiary of a setpiece play to score in the corner. The Broncos responded just before half time, Corey Oates crossing in the corner to take the score to 14-4 at half time.
The Eels threatened early in the second half, Michael Jennings crashing over the line to score from an inside ball. But the bunker saw evidence of double movement and disallowed the try.
The only points added after that were a penalty and a drop goal by Milford to end the game on 17-4.
Brisbane Broncos: tries by Jordan Kahu, Anthony Milford, Corey Oates, one converted, two penalties converted.
Parramatta Eels: try Clint Gutherson – James Wardell
Photo from Brisbane Broncos Twitter feed.
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