Broncos firm in NRL premiership betting after Storm win

September 9, 2023 12:24 pm.by Staff Writer

Ryan Papenhuzen's season appears to be over — Melbourne Storm have suffered a terrible blow in their NRL finals loss, with star Ryan Papenhuyzen enduring a serious ankle injury. (Picture: Melbourne Storm)

Brisbane Broncos have come into $2.50 to win the NRL premiership, following their commanding 26-0 victory over the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The victory also marks the Broncos first preliminary final appearance since 2017. Remarkably this emphatic win ended a 14-match losing streak against the Storm.

The Storm’s odds of winning the flag have now plummeted to $13, with serious ankle injuries to both Ryan Papenhuyzen and Xavier Coates compounding their woes. Papenhuyzen’s injury added salt to the wound as he was just recovering from a shattered kneecap that had kept him out of action for over a year.

This victory signifies a remarkable turnaround for coach Kevin Walters’ Broncos. Walters, who took over the reins at the end of 2020, has overseen the team’s resurgence since their challenging season which saw them clinching the wooden spoon for the first time.

From the outset the Broncos took charge against the Storm, scoring early but keeping it tight on the defensive end. This defensive prowess was record-breaking with it the first time a Broncos team has kept their opposition from scoring in a final.

The intensity of the game was palpable right from the outset, with players like Pat Carrigan and Harry Grant making their physical presence felt within the first minute.

While Brisbane showcased their defensive power, the Storm struggled to break the line. Reflecting on Melbourne’s performance, Parker noted, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Melbourne Storm as confused as they’ve been tonight.” Greg Alexander echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the team’s lacklustre attack.

The game took a more somber turn in the 73rd minute when Coates and Papenhuyzen suffered severe ankle injuries, with both set to have huge ramifications on the 2023 NRL finals series.

Despite the challenges, the Broncos finished strong, with Reynolds setting up Selwyn Cobbo to score in the final moments of the match.

The Storm will now be preparing to host either the Sharks or Roosters in next weekend’s elimination final.

Penrith are the only team ahead of the Broncos in premiership betting, priced at $2.40 to win the title, however they are yet to play their qualifying final. The Panthers are due to clash with New Zealand at 4.5pm on Saturday, with bookies set to slash their flag odds further with a convincing win.

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