KEY POINTS:
Broncos 24
Roosters 16
SYDNEY: Brisbane began their NRL finals campaign in style with a gutsy win over the Roosters last night.
The Broncos survived a first-half bashing by a fired-up Roosters side and overturned an eight-point halftime deficit with second-half tries to Denan Kemp, David Stagg and Tonie Carroll sealing the win.
The victory ensured a home final for the Broncos, most likely next week.
The Roosters, whose season will remain alive providing two of Canberra, the Dragons and the Warriors don't win, were left to rue not only the loss but a season-ending broken arm to hooker Riley Brown.
The Broncos, trailing 16-8, started the second half with a contender for team try of the year. They travelled almost 50m in one play and their determination to keep the ball alive saw them string together 12 passes before Kemp pierced the line and crossed out wide.
Hooker Michael Ennis then booted a fine 40-20 kick to put them back on the attack and they took the lead for the first time in the 49th minute when halfback Peter Wallace sent Stagg crashing over the line.
The Broncos extended their lead in the 60th minute when Darren Lockyer put fellow veteran Carroll over.
The first half was among the most brutal seen this season. Brisbane prop Joel Clinton was forced from the field after a bone-rattling hit from Mark O'Meley in the second minute, and Ennis, Wallace, Karmichael Hunt and Corey Parker also suffered big shots.
Both sides traded penalties before Sia Soliola scored the first try in the 13th minute when he swooped to intercept a Lockyer pass.
Ten minutes later, the Roosters stretched their lead even further when Anthony Tupou scored and Craig Fitzgibbon converted.
Wallace got the Broncos back in the match when he cleverly stepped his way over the line nine minutes before the break. Fitzgibbon slotted another penalty to give the tricolours their eight-point halftime lead.
- AAP
