In a thrilling encounter at Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos triumphed over the Sea Eagles 13-12, with Jock Madden securing the win with a crucial field goal. The game was a nail-biter, especially when Payne Haas limped off with a seemingly serious ankle injury in the second half, alarming Blues selectors. Remarkably, Haas returned to the field to finish the game.
The Broncos initially took the lead with Brendan Piakura scoring off a well-timed pass from Madden. Manly’s Taniela Paseka was then sin-binned for a professional foul, reducing the Sea Eagles to 12 men for ten minutes. Taking advantage, Deine Mariner extended the Broncos’ lead to 12-0 by diving over in the corner.
The Sea Eagles fought back as Haumole Olakau’atu set up Reuben Garrick to cut the Broncos’ lead. The situation grew tense for the Blues when Haas was helped off the field with an ankle injury, but he made a surprising return to play. Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega then scored, with Garrick converting from the sideline to tie the game.
A high tackle by Jaxson Paulo on Deine Mariner gave the Broncos a crucial penalty and field position. Madden capitalized by slotting a field goal, securing a one-point lead with four minutes remaining, and the Broncos held on to win the match in dramatic fashion.
