Brisbane Broncos thrash New Zealand to set up epic Penrith GF

The Brisbane Broncos have emphatically punched their ticket to the NRL grand final, thumping the New Zealand Warriors 42-12 in front of a roaring crowd of 52,273 at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

The commanding win sets up a highly anticipated showdown against back-to-back defending champions, the Penrith Panthers, at Accor Stadium next Sunday.

The Broncos have been installed a $2.30 outsider for the decider, with the Panthers priced at $1.62 with online bookmakers to notch up a third premiership in as many years.

At the heart of the Broncos’ dominance was fullback Reece Walsh, who orchestrated six line break assists and three try assists. His performance reached a crescendo when he threw a blatant forward pass that led to a try to Jordan Riki, extending the Broncos’ lead to 30-12 in the 53rd minute. Prop Payne Haas was another standout, particularly in powering through the Warriors’ defences.

The match had its share of drama. Warriors centre Adam Pompey was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul on Kotoni Staggs in the 58th minute, allowing Ezra Mam to extend the Broncos’ lead two minutes later. Centre Herbie Farnworth clinched his second try of the evening, putting the outcome beyond any doubt with just 11 minutes remaining on the clock.

While the Broncos led 24-12 at halftime, the Warriors showed early signs of defiance. Within the first eight minutes, they led 8-6 thanks to a pair of tries from winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, setting a new club record with his 24th try of the season. However, any hopes of maintaining that momentum were crushed as the Broncos scored three rapid-fire tries in a seven-minute spell, led by Walsh and Haas.

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters, who appeared quite relaxed prior to the match, even pausing to take a selfie with a Warriors fan, had every reason to be pleased. His team, which finished last in the 2020 season, has undergone a dramatic transformation under his guidance. They are now one win away from their first premiership title since 2006 and their seventh overall.

While the Panthers are likely to enter the grand final as favorites, the Broncos have shown they have both the forward punch and razzle dazzle to make it a contest for the ages. With both teams boasting stellar seasons, the stage is set for an NRL Grand Final that promises to be a classic.

More sports news