Storm 29
The 'Baby Broncos' fought like demons but ultimately came up short.
A Brisbane side missing almost all of their international stars pushed the Storm to the limit last night in a pulsating clash at Suncorp Stadium.
A 77th minute Cooper Cronk field goal broke the deadlock after an impressive Brisbane comeback before a late try on the bell sealed the result.
It was a courageous effort from both sides, with the Broncos playing with the fearlessness of youth and the Storm test players pushing through the pain barrier.
The Storm took a handy 10-point lead with 20 minutes to play before the home side began their late rush.
Jack Reed and Dane Gagai scored sensational individual tries, the high flying effort by Gagai reminiscent of the best of Israel Folau or Greg Inglis.
In a brave move, Broncos coach Anthony Griffin chose to leave out most of his stars who played for the Kangaroos on Friday, with only young winger Jharal Yow Yeh taking the field.
His counterpart Craig Bellamy had entertained a similar idea during the week but elected to use his full complement of stars.
The Broncos did not have many reasons for optimism. While they were victorious in a similar post Anzac test clash last season, they had lost 12 of their last 16 matches against the Melbourne club. Indeed, the Storm are responsible for Brisbane's worst winning percentage against any club, which stood at 39 per cent before last night's match.
After an even start, Dane Nielson touched down for the visitors in the 17th minute after some snappy passing close to the line.
Ryan Hinchliffe, who was man of the match in the City vs Country clash on Friday, extended the lead on the half hour with another four pointer.
Gerard Beale finally got the Broncos on the board three minutes before halftime, pouncing on a loose ball after a costly Billy Slater mistake in the in-goal. Beale, not used by Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney on Friday, tied up the scores early in the second half to set up a frenetic final half hour.
Apart from the impressive Beale, Kevin Proctor was another standout among the Kiwis on display, while Alex Glenn worked hard in the Broncos pack.
Broncos 22 (G. Beale 2, J. Reed, D. Gagai tries; C. Parker 3 goals) Storm 29 (D. Nielson, R. Hinchliffe, S. Waqa, C. Cronk, A. Quinn tries; C. Smith 4 goals, C. Cronk field goal). Halftime:6-12
