It isn’t reflected on the scoreboard but the Broncos have been all over the Cowboys in the first half. They lead 12-6 at halftime.
The Broncos have bombed two certain tries but were able to atone through Pat Carrigan in the 23rd minute to extend the lead to 8 points.
The looked threatening nearly every time they touched the ball in the first half, and lead the line break count 6-2, but they failed to convert, with the 13/19 completion rate attesting to that.
Herbie Farnworth had an excellent chance in the final minutes of the half to extend the lead, but some determined Cowboys defence thwarted another golden opportunity for the Broncos.
A Chad Townsend penalty on halftime ensured the Cowboys were within a try heading into the sheds.
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23RD MINUTE
Carrigan, who was held tryless in 77 games, scored his second in as many weeks.
Billy Walters jumped out of dummy half and created a gap for Carrigan, before giving the forward a lovely short ball who then barged over from short range.
“It took him 78 games to get his first but now he’s raining with tries,” Corey Parker said.
19TH MINUTE
The Broncos choke away two certain tries in as many minutes.
Firstly, Tom Flegler made a big break down the middle and only had to give it off to Ezra Mam on his left, but he went himself before being tackled.
“Tom Flegler doesn’t find himself in the open much and he’s absolutely bombed a try for the Brisbane Broncos,” Parker said.
A couple of sets later, Broncos second rower Brendan Piakura broke clear down the right side but was unable to give it off cleanly to Kotoni Staggs at the 10 metre line, instead passing it into Staggs when he was in front of him and causing an accidental offside penalty.
12TH MINUTE
Recalled Cowboys winger Kyle Feldt scores the first try for the Cowboys.
Feldt’s try was his 126th, moving four away from Matt Bowen’s club record of 130.
8TH MINUTE
Broncos winger Jesse Arthars crossed in the left corner, getting on the end of some slick Brisbane ball movement.
“It’s high octane, it’s fast and it’s got skill,” Corey Parker said.
“What about the intensity of this game. It’s fast.”
MATCH PREVIEW
The Broncos will be without skipper Adam Reynolds when the Cowboys host Brisbane in a blockbuster derby at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Jock Madden replaces Reynolds at halfback due to a groin injury for the Brisbane captain.
Bench forward Kobe Hetherington (back cork) is also out and replaced by Xavier Willison on the pine.
Brendan Piakura (illness) and Jesse Arthars (suspension) are set to return, while Jordan Riki is bidding for a comeback from injury.
For the Cowboys Valentine Holmes is suspended for the rest of the regular season, with Kyle Feldt coming in to the centres.
Hooker Reece Robson is expected to play despite suffering a head knock in the closing stages of the Titans game.
The second placed Broncos need to win to keep the pressure on the Panthers for the minor premiership, while the eighth placed Cowboys need to win to stay in the top eight.
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