An excellent defensive performance from the Broncos carried them to a 20-12 win over the Sharks at PointsBet Stadium on Saturday night.
The Broncos were guided by their Origin heroes in the dominant showing, but it was a former representative star who was the standout.
Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs finished with an impressive stats sheet including 212 metres run, seven tackle busts, two linebreaks, a try assist and a try.
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The former Blues gun muscled his way over from close range to score the opening try, following a dangerous run from Jordan Riki.
With his dominant performance, the 24-year-old undoubtedly pressed his case for a recall after the Blues lost to the Maroons 26-18 in Wednesday’s State of Origin opener.
League great Michael Ennis said Staggs was in better form now than when he debuted for NSW last year.
“It’s been a ferocious battle between Staggs and (Siosifa) Talakai,” Ennis told Fox League.
“Boy, he’s looked impressive tonight, Staggs.
“He is playing better now than he was when he was selected for Origin. He is in great form, Kotoni Staggs.”
Kotoni agreed his match-up with Talakai set up his best performance of the season.
“I knew I had to come out and start fast, especially up against Talakai,” he told Fox League.
“I love coming up against guys like that and it makes my game improve, as well.”
The Sharks kept control for the majority of the first half before Staggs executed a clever chip kick which allowed Jesse Arthurs to score and extend the Broncos’ lead on the cusp of half-time.
Hynes puts Talakai over
Brisbane sealed the match when Reece Walsh set up Herbie Farnworth for a try with a pinpoint pass.
Will Kennedy acted instinctively to keep the Sharks in the contest, poking the ball forward, regathering and scoring.
But the Broncos held on to defeat the Sharks on Cronulla’s home patch.
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