Broncos uphold Green Machine
August 3rd 2008 09:53
Michael Ennis was instrumental in Brisbane's win
The Canberra Raiders dreamed for a test like this.
Not in a million years would anyone think a side, with hardly any representative players, would make the top eight.
From what we have seen in recent weeks though, the Raiders have fooled many people, including myself.
That is why many shared the same views on whether Canberra would be the real deal in their clash against Brisbane.
The belief among many league faithful was one of optimism for the Raiders. Against the Broncos, they thought the form army of the competition would cause Brisbane some real headaches on the dry surfaces of Suncorp.
Eighty minutes later, Brisbane are the ones marching well into the form that has made them finals bound for nineteen years now.
Many league critics have been touched by Canberra's revival.
Over the past few weeks, they have performed out of their skins, in the midst of controversy, to stay alive in the race for the finals.
But yesterday's touch-up by the Broncos was a rude awakening to their cause.
The Raiders faced a side who love playing in one particular direction. Straight up the middle of the ruck.
The likes of Michael Ennis ,Darren Lockyer and Karmichael Hunt sprayed their big experience on the Raiders and it worked to a charm.
It was Brisbane at their clinical best as wave after wave of their attack was brought about through penetrative running by the forwards, and slick service bought by Ennis.
While the Raiders did play their expansive game, the Broncos stayed composed and never looked headed despite some anxious moments.
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett should be very pleased with his side's performance.
Brisbane wore the criticism given to them by their master coach and responded with a dedicated display in both defence and attack against Canberra.
The Raiders were full of effort, but Brisbane catapulted to the forefront in the second half with tremendous vision and skill by both Lockyer and Wallace.
Those two players have the talent to predict what is in front of them and act accordingly.
It was Wallace who steered a grubber in behind the Raiders defence to find Sam Thaiday.
To round it off, it was Lockyer's kick that found speedster Denan Kemp at fulltime that had most impact on Brisbane's capabilities to strike in any given moment.
After their best performance in weeks, the Broncos have finally struck the chord capable of causing lots of problems come the finals.
Canberra on the other hand, should not get their hands down.
Their effort yesterday was a small step in their graduation to finals football.
After being comprehensively beaten, the Raiders will go back to their studio and label the key areas that need improvement.
Best believe their role in this years finals is far from past.
Canberra will receive many chances to shock the many that predicted they would run home with the wooden spoon come seasons end.
In exchange for the lack of belief, the Raiders have surprised many and will benefit from their experience up in Brisbane.
For a side that has created so much turbulence in the NRL, it would be a shame if the blossoming form of the Raiders died out in an instant.
They were put under the microscope yesterday and lost to the better team on the day.
Ultimately, mistakes are made but lessons will be learnt.
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