The Brisbane Broncos fell dramatically and cost themselves a chance at the 2023 NRL Championship on Sunday night, losing to the reigning Penrith Panthers by just two points.
Despite the loss, many Broncos continued to have great play in the conference.
Here’s how Zero Tackle rates each Brisbane player in the decider.
1. Reece Walsh – 5.5/10
A real mixed bag from Walsh. He had a very slow first half where he barely touched the ball and when he did it was through a foul or was driven back into his own goal like a wheelbarrow. In the second half, he and Ezra Mami helped cut Penrith to pieces before being unable to deal with the Penrith comeback.
2. Jesse Arthars – 7.5
One of the best games of Arthars career so far. Very strong all night under pressure and ran hard to finish with 171 meters and 4 tackles. 3. Cotton Staggs – 6.5
Staggs was another of the Brisbane brigade to have a mixed night. Looked very dangerous in attack at times but missed a few clearances and got fouled at times.
4. Herbie Farnworth – 7
The only real mistake the Englishman made during the game was on the first attempt when he tried to knock it back towards his own goal line instead of dropping it short. Ali ran hard, broke 150 meters and was excellent in defence, especially in the first half.
5. Selwyn Cobbo – 5
There were some good moments under pressure, catching high balls, but otherwise it had very little impact on the game. An early handling error put the pressure on his side and he really didn’t have time to do much.
6. Ezra Mam – 9.5
Had he won in Brisbane, he would have been one of the contenders for the Clive Churchill Medal. His hat-trick and second half burst down the left looked at one point to lead Brisbane to victory. No, but he hasn’t damaged yet another contract value because of the way he plays. 7. Adam Reynolds – 7
Reynolds started the game quite well and had more chances throughout, but his kicking game seemed a little lacking after the first half injury. Still, points for bravery when he got through the pain barrier.
8. Thomas Flegler – 8.5
Flegler was outstanding in his final game as a Bronco. Shot through the middle of the Penrith defense for the opening try and although he only covered 93 metres, they all looked impressive.
9. Billy Walters – 6
The starting mannequin side must find ways to run and get involved in the game. In the end, Walters was at zero meters. However, 40/20 and strong defense keep him above average.
10. Payne Haas – 9
A win in Brisbane would have made Haas the second challenger to Clive Churchill outside of Mami. Did everything and more to keep his side on the front foot and finished the contest with 150 meters from 14 carries, which included six tackle breaks. 11. Kurt Capewell – 5.5
Just standard Capewell performance. Brisbane needed his leadership a lot more than it got during the game, although he defended well and made strong moves.
12. Jordan Ricky – 6
Participated strongly in defense and took strong shots from the air for a wonderful reflex catch. However, he did not do enough offensively to get a higher score.
13. Patrick Carrigan – 9
Carrigan just isn’t slowing down. In every game you know what to expect and the Queensland lock just gives you a chance. Battling his Origin counterpart, who also played well, the Brisbane star won the points decider with more than 150 meters and almost 40 tackles. 14. Tyson Smoothy – 6
It was difficult from the bench. He scored two runs and caught Flegler on one attempt. He also defended strongly.
15. Brendan Piakura – 3
Only 20 minutes. He gave up two runs and three hits. Not much to write home about for the young second rower.
16. Kobe Hetherington – 4
A boat similar to a piakura. Just four runs, a couple of missed tackles and less than 20 minutes on the park.
17. Keenan Palasia – 8
The limited influence of the other two forwards of the bench was compensated by Palasia. He finished with 150 meters from 14 runs and a strong defensive performance. Good effort from the Titans going forward. Sumo: 113/170
