CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 27: A detailed photo of a Denver Broncos helmet during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Broncos pair excel in absence of key players during significant victory, while young Cowboys player offers a glimmer of hope.
The Broncos delivered a dominant performance against the Cowboys in Mackay, securing a commanding 46-20 victory with a strong second-half showing on Sunday afternoon.
Brisbane’s Selwyn Cobbo showcased his ability to seamlessly step into the vacancy left by Herbie Farnworth in the centres, while Brendan Piakura, formerly a bench player, asserted his prowess by scoring two tries. However, Piakura’s availability for Round 1 is uncertain following a knee injury.
The match began in favor of the Broncos when Cowboys fullback Tom Chester mishandled the kick-off, allowing Cobbo to swiftly set up Corey Oates for a try in the corner within 90 seconds.
The Broncos extended their lead when backrower Piakura scored, courtesy of a precise pass from Adam Reynolds. However, the North Queensland team retaliated when Semi Valemei intercepted a pass from Reece Walsh, breaking away for a try in the 20th minute.
Piakura, now filling Kurt Capewell’s role in the second row, added to his tally with another powerful run along the left flank.
The Cowboys’ young talent Kulikefu Finefeuiaki contributed a try after a strong burst, followed shortly by hooker Sean Mullany’s try, narrowing the score to 16-14 by halftime.
In the second half, the Broncos dominated proceedings. Cobbo, Reece Walsh, and Tristan Sailor all crossed the try line within the first 10 minutes after the break.
Ben Te Kura, the NRL’s tallest player standing at 205cm, powered over for another Broncos try, before hooker Cory Paix added further points to seal the victory.
Yet, the Cowboys managed a late response when local talent Jaxon Purdue seized upon a grubber kick, sprinting 90 meters to score in the final moments of the game, igniting celebrations among the Mackay crowd.
