SYDNEY: A powerhouse performance from Canterbury centre Jamal Idris inspired the resurgent Bulldogs to a convincing win over Brisbane in last night's NRL clash at ANZ Stadium.
The giant 19-year-old was almost unstoppable as he terrorised the Broncos' defence, scoring one try, laying on another with a brilliant flick pass and outshining test centre Israel Folau all night.
The Dogs' victory was all the more impressive because they played virtually the entire second half without centre Josh Morris, who copped a poke in the eye in the first half, and five-eighth Ben Roberts, who was helped from the field with an ankle injury three minutes after the break.
Lock David Stagg was also stretchered from the field in the 72nd minute after appearing to suffer a neck injury when tackling Darren Lockyer.
Canterbury led 12-6 at the break but three tries in five minutes had the home side up 30-6 after 55 minutes.
Winger Bryson Goodwin bagged a double and booted six from seven as Canterbury beat Brisbane in Sydney for the first time since 2005.
Brisbane now has two wins from five games this season.
The Broncos mounted a comeback when a burst from in-form Sam Thaiday sent Lockyer over in the 59th minute, and a converted ref's call try to Alex Glenn in the 63rd minute made it a 12-point game at 30-18.
But a 67th minute try from Blake Green after an uncharacteristic Lockyer error sealed the deal.
Earlier, first half tries to Goodwin and Idris sandwiched a four-pointer to Brisbane lock Corey Parker as the Bulldogs regained an early lead two minutes before the break.
In Townsville, the return of Johnathan Thurston was not enough for the Cowboys, who fell 24-18 to the Parramatta Eels.
The skipper was a late inclusion at five-eighth and made an immediate impact, setting up a try and kicking three goals.
The score was 12-12 at halftime, but a Timana Tahu double lifted the Eels to a tense win, leaving the Cowboys near the bottom of the ladder with just two wins from seven starts.
Full Time Score
Bulldogs 36
Broncos 18
- AAP
League: Unstoppable Idris powers Bulldogs to solid victory
David Stagg of the Bulldogs is assisted after injuring himself. Photo / Getty Images
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