Round 7: Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm

[Queenslander]

Brisbane Broncos vs Melbourne Storm
Friday 27th April, 7:30pm; Suncorp Stadium


Referee: Sean Hampstead

Team Notes:

Broncos
Justin Hodges returns to boost the team that downed Newcastle 20-16 last Sunday, while 2006 Test debutant Sam Thaiday has forced his way back into the starting side.

Hodges has overcome a knee injury aggravated in the Trans-Tasman Test last weekend, while Thaiday’s inclusion pushes David Stagg back to the position he played in last year’s premiership decider – the centres.

And Michael Ennis will make his first start of the season after being named at hooker, Shaun Berrigan retained at halfback.

In fact the Broncos’ team is very close to the team which beat Melbourne 15-8 in last year’s decider.

The only changes are Steve Michaels on the wing for unlucky flatmate Darius Boyd, and former rake Berrigan at halfback for Shane Perry.
Storm
Bellamy has made one change to the starting line-up that took the field against the Panthers on Saturday.

Michael Crocker returns to the team having recovered from a shoulder injury and a lacerated shin. He will start in the second row with Antonio Kaufusi returning to the front-row.

Ian Donnelly has been promoted to the first-grade squad and will start on the bench in place of the injured Ben Cross.

Front-rower Scott Anderson and winger Will Chambers are 18th and 19th men respectively.
Teams:

Broncos


1. K Hunt
2. S Michaels
3. D Stagg
4. J Hodges
5. B Tate
6. D Lockyer ?
7. S Berrigan
8. D Carlaw
9. M Ennis
10. P Civoniceva
11. S Thaiday
12. B Thorn
13. T Carroll

Reserves


14. N Kenny
15. B Hannant
16. D Boyd
17. I Lacey
18. J Moon
19. N Emmett
20. S Perry
Storm
1. Billy Slater
2. Steve Turner
3. Matt King
4. Anthony Quinn
5. Israel Folau
6. Matt Geyer
7. Cooper Cronk
8. Antonio Kaufusi
9. Cameron Smith
10. Brett White
11. Michael Crocker
12. Ryan Hoffman
13. Dallas Johnson
Interchange:
14. Sam Tagataese
15. Jeff Lima
16. Ian Donnelly
17. James Aubusson
18. Scott Anderson
19. Will Chambers
(two to be omitted)

***Please use this thread for game day spoilers and general match information***

[jenny]

Bennett keeps wrap on halves
Adam Gardini
25Apr07

BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett is keeping his cards close to his chest surrounding the Broncos' planned halves combination ahead of Friday night's blockbuster against unbeaten Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium.

Bennett yesterday named the versatile Shaun Berrigan at halfback with captain Darren Lockyer in his customary No.6 jersey but also included last year's premiership winning playmaker Shane Perry on an extended seven-man interchange bench.

The Lockyer-Berrigan combination was used successfully by the Broncos in last Sunday night's win over Newcastle after Perry was ruled out of the match due to injury.

However, the trio all ran in the halves at different stages during yesterday's training session at Red Hill, leaving a big question mark as to who will play what role in Friday night's grand final rematch.

Before being named on the bench yesterday afternoon, Perry said he was definitely available for selection this week but admitted Bennett's plans were unclear.

Other club officials and insiders were also unable to shed any light on the situation.

"I don't know what Wayne's plans are for this weekend," said Perry.

"We'll just have to see what he comes up with the selections."

It is not the first time Perry has been deposed at halfback this season, with Bennett opting to trial Karmichael Hunt at the scrumbase in the opening two rounds before resorting back to Perry for three matches.

However, the success of the Lockyer-Berrigan combination against the Knights last week has established a strong case for it to remain.

Asked what his philosophy was in light of the Broncos' revolving door at halfback, Perry said: "I just take opportunities when I get them and play every game like it's my last."

Bennett included winger Darius Boyd, rising star Joel Moon and centre Nick Emmett on Brisbane's extended bench, of which four players will be omitted.

Kiwi forward Greg Eastwood was not named to take on the Storm as the Broncos await scans on a rib injury suffered in Friday night's Test.

Justin Hodges ran freely at training yesterday on his injured knee but Tonie Carroll (knee) didn't take part.
Gold Coast Bulletin

[Queenslander]

Eastwood in for Carroll

April 26, 2007

INJURED lock Tonie Carroll has been ruled out of a reshuffled Brisbane Broncos side for their grand final re-match with Melbourne Storm on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has named New Zealand international Greg Eastwood ? who was not included in Brisbane's initial 20-man squad ? at lock for Carroll who damaged his knee cap in the gutsy last round win at Newcastle.

David Stagg moves from the centres to the back row with Queensland Origin forward Sam Thaiday relegated to the bench.

Last round's two-try hero Darius Boyd moves from the bench to the centres alongside Justin Hodges.

Bennett has also moved hooker Michael Ennis to the bench and slotted Ian Lacey into the No.9 jersey.

In a worrying sign for premiership halfback Shane Perry, Bennett has cut the No.7 from the seven-man bench along with Nick Emmett and forward Nick Kenny.

Shaun Berrigan has been named at halfback but Bennett is again expected to use Australia five-eighth Darren Lockyer at first receiver in attack.

Perry has been relegated to Queensland Cup this weekend.

Bennett has named exciting youngster Joel Moon, prop Ben Hannant, Thaiday and Ennis on his bench.

AAP

[Queenslander]

Bellamy plays down revenge factor

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 4:33 PM

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy has attempted to play down the revenge factor ahead of Friday night's grand final re-match with Brisbane while continuing the mind games surrounding potential game-breaker Greg Inglis.

Brisbane have ruled out hard-hitting lock Tonie Carroll (knee cap) and surprised by naming winger Darius Boyd in the centres and leaving specialist halfback Shane Perry out of the side with Ian Lacey named as starting hooker.

Inglis, who's battling a knee injury, arrived in Brisbane with the Storm on Thursday, with Bellamy still playing cat and mouse games over whether the brilliant youngster will be a late inclusion in his side, seeking to avenge their grand final loss to Brisbane last October.

Some reports had Inglis ruled out mid-week.

But Bellamy said he would run with the side the day before the game and a decision could be made sometime in the hours before the match.

"We'll see how he goes at training but if it's a 50-50 thing we'll have a look at him in the morning," said Bellamy at Brisbane airport.

"He tweaked it (knee) again on Tuesday but he hasn't done any more damage.

"Greg's a Queenslander now, I'm not really sure how that happened, and he loves playing at Suncorp.

"He's keen to get back and I'm keen to get him back and he already missed a couple of weeks.

"He's an important part of our football team. He's playing a different position so the more games he has, the better it's going to be for us but we're not going to take any risks with him."

Much has been made of the clash being Melbourne's opportunity to vent their anger after believing they were unlucky not to win the grand final last year after finishing eight points clear in the minor premiership.

"Last year is last year, this year is this year and they're after two points and we're after two points," said Bellamy when asked if his players had revenge on their minds.

"If we win tomorrow night, they're not going to give their (premiership rings back) are they?

"We're still stinging obviously, but we can't do anything about it.

"It doesn't matter what happens tomorrow night, that's not going top change what happened last October."

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett will stick with the halves formula of Shaun Berrigan and Darren Lockyer that worked so effectively against the Knights last weekend when Lockyer played first receiver.

Bennett declined to go into detail about his plans for Lockyer but it's obvious the experiment against Newcastle impressed him.

"I don't intend to open up a Pandora's box," said Bennett when pushed about Lockyer's shift.

Bellamy was expecting his former coaching boss to make even more changes after Bennett reshuffled his side.

"They could change it again tomorrow," said Bellamy.

"I'm sure Wayne (Bennett) will be trying to make us think we don't know what's going on.

"We'll just have to try and prepare for all the different scenarios and be ready.

"I don't think it really matters where Darren Lockyer plays, he's going to have an impact.

"He's a wonderful player.

"Putting him closer to the action makes him a little bit easier to get at but it also means he gets his hands on the footy more so it probably evens out at the end."

Bellamy was impressed with the Broncos effort last weekend when Bennett said they played for each other for the first time this season.

"I thought last weekend was a really good weekend for them," said Bellamy, who spent five seasons under Bennett at Red Hill.

"To back up and win at Newcastle under those circumstances with Joey's farewell in front of a full house, they were really good.

"I'm sure they'll be looking to carry that on tomorrow night."

Source: AAP

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Granny Willis Broncos' secret weapon

Thursday, April 26, 2007 - 4:23 PM

The Brisbane Broncos have a secret weapon for their big NRL showdown with Melbourne on Friday night - 100-year-old fan Edith Willis who won't hear of them losing.

Mrs Willis will be where she always is when Brisbane play, camped in front of the TV in her home at The Gap in Brisbane, wearing Broncos colours and yelling for "her boys".

Her family took her to meet Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett and captain Darren Lockyer last Saturday before the premiers' game against Newcastle as part of her 100th birthday celebrations.

When she told Bennett she'd been praying for his team to come good after just one win from their first five games, the coach smiled wryly and quipped: "Edith, you haven't been praying often enough."

But Mrs Willis' prayers were answered the next day when Brisbane beat Newcastle to get their premiership defence back on track.

The job is even tougher this week against competition co-leader Melbourne Storm - the team the Broncos beat in last year's grand final.

But they'll again have Mrs Willis' support.

Born in Charleville in south-west Queensland as the youngest of five, she has 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.

"She's quite remarkable," said family member Sarah Sheppard.

"She still has the odd sherry and loves her rugby league.

"She's been a Broncos fan from day one and a big Wally (Lewis) fan.

"She sits up close to the TV and yells at the players to `Get off the Broncos' when they are tackled."

Mrs Willis had her 100th birthday party last Saturday night with family coming from as far away as Canada to see her and celebrate with her."

"Granny Willis was still rocking at 8pm and telling everybody about meeting her `men' at the Broncos," said Mrs Sheppard.

"She slept all day Sunday so she could stay up and watch Brisbane play Newcastle that night.

"She never misses a game no matter how late it is, it's amazing how having such a passion can keep someone going."

Apart from meeting the Broncos, Mrs Willis received a letter from the Queen, a hand-written personalised letter from Queensland Premier Peter Beattie, vice-regal letters of congratulations and a note from Prime Minister John Howard.

"It was a wonderful birthday and she loved meeting Wayne and Darren so much, she didn't stop talking about it until she went to bed that night," Mrs Sheppard said.

Source: AAP

[Robbie_Dee]

I tipped broncos in this one :o

I just think Storm have to have a bad game sometime, and with broncos improving last week without a few of their stars, i reckon broncos have a decent chance to cause an upset! But i wont be surprised/disappointed if they lose.

[Steve]

Should be a good game, and when I was at Ticketek this arvo getting my Titans ticket, also sounded like a big crowd, not a whole lot of tickets left.

I reckon the Storm will win. They're still not playing their best footy, but are improving every week.

[k-unit]

Ill go with the Broncos. They played good footy on Sunday without some key players, when they return they will only be better. Storm are due for a loss tbh.

:D

[k-unit]

A few team changes to the Broncos :)


Eastwood in for Carroll
April 26, 2007

INJURED lock Tonie Carroll has been ruled out of a reshuffled Brisbane Broncos side for their grand final re-match with Melbourne Storm on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has named New Zealand international Greg Eastwood – who was not included in Brisbane's initial 20-man squad – at lock for Carroll who damaged his knee cap in the gutsy last round win at Newcastle.

David Stagg moves from the centres to the back row with Queensland Origin forward Sam Thaiday relegated to the bench.

Last round's two-try hero Darius Boyd moves from the bench to the centres alongside Justin Hodges.

Bennett has also moved hooker Michael Ennis to the bench and slotted Ian Lacey into the No.9 jersey.

In a worrying sign for premiership halfback Shane Perry, Bennett has cut the No.7 from the seven-man bench along with Nick Emmett and forward Nick Kenny.

Shaun Berrigan has been named at halfback but Bennett is again expected to use Australia five-eighth Darren Lockyer at first receiver in attack.

Perry has been relegated to Queensland Cup this weekend.

Bennett has named exciting youngster Joel Moon, prop Ben Hannant, Thaiday and Ennis on his bench.

Source: Fox Sports.com.au (www.foxsports.com.au)

[Supergoose]

Boyd in the centres? Good way to push Michaels further into leaving the club at the end of the year but we'll see how he goes. I've tipped the Broncos as they will be better than last week with Hodges in and I'm interested to see how they use Berrigan and Moon. Storm due for a loss - their form has been patchy but they still know how to win. Go the Broncs

[jenny]

We want respect
Steve Ricketts and Karl deKroo
April 27, 2007 12:00am

BRONCOS forward Sam Thaiday has lit the fuse for an explosive grand final rematch at Suncorp Stadium tonight.

The tough no-nonsense Broncos blasted Melbourne Storm for its failure to recognise Brisbane's achievement in winning last year's NRL title.

Thaiday said yesterday Storm players and officials had been playing the blame game rather than acknowledging the Broncos' effort in winning the 2006 grand final 15-8.

Video tips

"I don't think we've got enough credit for winning the grand final," he said.

"We played a good strong game, we stuck to our game plan and we won it.

"They reckon they lost it rather than us winning it, and they were looking for people to blame instead of patting us on the back.

"A lot of teams win the minor premiership, like Melbourne did last year, and don't go on to win the grand final.

"It's all about the big trophy. It's not about the little minor premiership trophy."

The Test forward said he had no doubt Storm would have revenge on its mind tonight.

"Melbourne has made a big deal out if it (tonight's game)," Thaiday said.

"They were kicking and screaming after they lost the grand final last year and I think they've been seeking revenge since then.

"There are going to be a lot of big hits, passion and emotion out there on Friday night."

Melbourne thrashed Brisbane 46-0 in a trial in Melbourne in March, but the Broncos fielded a second-string backline and the forwards were backing up from a rugged World Club Challenge clash in England.

"Melbourne went all out in that trial," Thaiday said. "They pretty much wanted to smack us as much as they could.
Article from: The Courier-Mail

[Coaster]

Cant wait, i would be drinking beer right now if it wasnt for a damn disco my daughter wants to go to.

Bloody hell, what 10 yrd goes out on a friday night, and makes me stay home sober, ughhh i could scream

Anyway this is the game of the year so far i think

[Capital_Shark]

Shut up Thaiday ya golly wog. He was standing next to Matt King on the footy show last night as King said that Brisbane out played them and deserved the win, just Melbourne are looking at season 2007, not 2006, which is what Thaiday should be doing cause last years trophy doesn't mean a damn thing now.

Coaster: Plant a pack of smokes in her lunch box and let the missus find 'em and ground her, then you can drink as much beer as you please during the footy, which is how its meant to be.

[jenny]

Cant wait, i would be drinking beer right now if it wasnt for a damn disco my daughter wants to go to.

Bloody hell, what 10 yrd goes out on a friday night, and makes me stay home sober, ughhh i could scream

Anyway this is the game of the year so far i think

lol Shane....when she turns 17 you will be praying for these days...;)

[jenny]

Coaster: Plant a pack of smokes in her lunch box and let the missus find 'em and ground her, then you can drink as much beer as you please during the footy, which is how its meant to be. Sharkey

LMAO.....you are an idiot:)

[Capital_Shark]

Sharkey

LMAO.....you are an idiot:)

To some, maybe. To Coaster after a case of his favorite drop and 2 games of footy I'd be a champ.

[Coaster]

To some, maybe. To Coaster after a case of his favorite drop and 2 games of footy I'd be a champ.

LOL

Its going to be a lonnnng night

[Steelers]

Did anyone else just get the feed from the Bulldogs vs Tigers game instead of this game for 30 seconds after the Broncos went to 12 points?? That is a pretty major mistake, considering I now know the score of the other game 38 minute into it :|

[Ryan]

Did anyone else just get the feed from the Bulldogs vs Tigers game instead of this game for 30 seconds after the Broncos went to 12 points?? That is a pretty major mistake, considering I now know the score of the other game 38 minute into it :|
Yeah I seen it...
Thats good though, I think they should do it more often. Good to know how the other game is going......

[Ryan]

Good game to watch, but Melb finished the game with 12pts more than they should have IMO.

[Tamwelg]

**FINAL SCORE**

Melbourne Storm 28

Tries: Slater 2, Hoffman, Turner, Folau
Goals: Smith 4/6

Defeated

Brisbane Broncos 18

Tries: Eastwood, Hannant, Stagg
Goals: Lockyer 3/3

[jenny]

Storm beat Broncos
April 27, 2007 12:00
MELBOURNE extracted some revenge over Brisbane and remained undefeated in the NRL with a 28-18 win in tonight's eagerly anticipated grand final rematch at Suncorp Stadium.
Melbourne won a match marred by controversial calls with referee Sean Hampstead an unpopular figure with most of the 33,750 fans.

Melbourne, who cleared teenage star Greg Inglis to play just hours before kick-off, led 16-12 at halftime.

They raced away to a 28-12 lead when young giant Israel Folau swept over for their fifth try 15 minutes into the second half.

Melbourne made their intentions clear in the opening minutes when hard-running back-rower Ryan Hoffman, gutted by last year's grand final loss, flew onto an Inglis pass to score the opening try in just the second minute.

Hampstead ? booed from the field at halftime by angry Brisbane fans ? and video referee Phil Cooley were forced to make several tough calls with Storm fullback Billy Slater being awarded a benefit of the doubt try in the 45th minute when he beat Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer to a Cameron Smith grubber before it made the dead ball line.

Hampstead angered the crowd when he awarded Storm winger Steve Turner a try in the 19th minute.

Brisbane fans vented their displeasure after watching a big screen replay which seemed to show Turner losing control of the football before grounding it.

Melbourne started the second half as they did the first with Slater scoring in the 45th minute before Folau claimed his ninth try in seven games diving over out wide.

Hoffman typified Melbourne's desire to win at all costs tonight.

He scored their first try, almost grabbed another in the eighth minute and came up with some huge defence before limping off the field in the 34th minute with what appeared to be a ankle injury.

He wasn't expected to take any further part in the game but joined the action again in the second half.

Brisbane forward David Stagg was awarded a try by the video referee in another controversial call, capping off a night of high drama involving Hampstead and the match officials upstairs in the box.

MELBOURNE 28 (B Slater 2 I Folau R Hoffman S Turner tries C Smith 4 goals) bt BRISBANE 18 (G Eastwood B Hannant D Stagg tries D Lockyer 3 goals) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: S Hampstead. Crowd: 33,750.
Article from: AAP

[Coaster]

Broncos are crap.

But i must say that the Referee farce between these two clubs has been squared.

Makes it hard for tippers when the game will be decided, by the referee's arm.

[Tamwelg]

Source: www.nrl.com.au


Storm and ref blow away Broncos

Friday, April 27, 2007 - 11:01 PM

Melbourne Storm received the line-ball calls they craved six months ago to overcome the Broncos 28-18 in their NRL grand final rematch.

In a far cry from the scenes of the 2006 decider, it was Brisbane's fans seething at the refereeing as a string of decisions appeared to go the Storm's way at Suncorp Stadium.

Three of Melbourne's five tries - including two to livewire fullback Billy Slater - were clouded in controversy.

Referee Sean Hampstead was booed off the ground at half-time, with the visitors holding a 16-12 lead following a fast-paced but error-riddled first half.

The crowd was most irate at Hampstead's decision to immediately award a 19th-minute try to winger Steve Turner who lost the ball in placing it over the line after leaping over Brent Tate to field a Cooper Cronk cross-kick.

Slater's second try, awarded by video referee Phil Cooley after the fullback pounced on a Cameron Smith grubber in the 46th minute, left Broncos players stunned and helped the Storm to a 22-12 lead.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett had no issues with any of the handful of video ref calls but was critical of obstruction interpretations.

Slater's first try came following an obvious obstruction where Matt King even appeared to give himself up.

"Everybody is confused," Bennett said. They're all confused tonight. They (the NRL) need to work it out quickly."

Skipper Darren Lockyer said: "There's too many grey areas".

Melbourne's win leaves them unbeaten after seven matches to be on top of the NRL ladder.

The Storm can feel a sense of belated justice after the 2006 decider featured four crucial decisions that went the Broncos way to have a major impact on the match.

The player most hurt by October's grand final loss, Ryan Hoffman, a sobbing mess after full-time at Telstra Stadium, stood tall in a courageous effort.

The second-rower crossed for an early try, pulled off a try-saving tackle on winger Tate and returned in the second half after aggravating an ankle injury he sustained in training on Thursday night.

Late replacement Greg Inglis instantly made his presence known at five-eighth with the deft short ball to put Hoffman over in the third minute.

Inglis also produced a solo 70m run which Lockyer's labelled as the turning point that preceded a try to Israel Folau to make it 28-12 with 25 minutes left.

"I expected him to drift in and out of the game which he did but he came up with some trademark runs and a beautiful pass for Hoffy's try," said Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy.

"Not many guys can do that sort of thing."

While Inglis was a star for the Storm - along with Slater, scheming halfback Cronk and skipper Smith - Lockyer tried hard but had a night he'd rather forget after being heavily targeted.

The Test five-eighth, playing halfback, missed Hoffman to concede the first try, allowed Slater through for his second, and was off-key with his passing and kicking games due to the Storm's pressure.

The first 20 minutes had enough action and drama for a whole match as the Storm raced to a 16-6 lead but Bellamy was fuming his men allowed Brisbane back in with a try to Ben Hannant.

"I wasn't sure how they played the last 15 minutes (of the first half), how it would affect them mentally," he said.

"When I left the box I was going to give them a spray. Lucky it's a long walk. I gave them a firm message but not a spray, I'd cooled down."

Source: AAP

[tom91]

i watched that game,, was **** the broncos deserve to loose when they make that many errors

[Dakink]

Good I love seeing the Broncos lose in front of their home "fans".

[Steelers]

Everyone is saying the reffing decisions were all going to the Storm, but the ref missed an obvious try to Steve Turner IMO. He didn't send it to the video ref, but he put the ball down before it hit the ground. And anyways, the Broncos never gave themselves a chance, errors cost them.

[Tamwelg]

Everyone is saying the reffing decisions were all going to the Storm, but the ref missed an obvious try to Steve Turner IMO. He didn't send it to the video ref, but he put the ball down before it hit the ground. And anyways, the Broncos never gave themselves a chance, errors cost them.

Yes he did put the ball down beforw it hit the ground, but he did not have conrol of it. That decision was one of the good ones he made.

[Steelers]

Yes he did put the ball down beforw it hit the ground, but he did not have conrol of it. That decision was one of the good ones he made.

I can guarantee that half of the groundings where the player smals the ball down with his hand are just like that one. They never have control of it. If they had control of it, they would need to be holding onto the ball when they ground it.

[Queenslander]

Firstly the Broncos did not deserve to win this game, however it would have been closer if it wasn't for one of the worst refereeing performances since Origin game III 2006.

The Broncos had little or no ball control. What ever happened to all their fancy gizmos on their jerseys.......they must be working wonders :ok:

The Storm are still far from their best as well which is very scary for all other teams.

[Robbie_Dee]

Every week ppl say storm aren't at their best...by 7 undefeated rounds surely that is their best.

[Ryan]

Every week ppl say storm aren't at their best...by 7 undefeated rounds surely that is their best.
Storm at their best? Their best wasn't that good Friday night. That match could have went either way IMO. People have been quick to point out all of the donkeys mistakes but the Storm made just as many, if not more. The Tigers will have the Storm next week if the Storm play like they did on Friday......

[Capital_Shark]

Every week ppl say storm aren't at their best...by 7 undefeated rounds surely that is their best.

Storm are far from their best. They screw up week in week out but can still string 7 wins together. Provided they stay injury free in key areas (Cam Smith really) then it'll be nasty to watch a team come up against the Storm when they finally hit their straps. They're a much better football team than they're currently even showing glimpses of. Wait till they get their waves of attack style back in order too.

[Tamwelg]

Good game to watch, but Melb finished the game with 12pts more than they should have IMO.

Agreed, some bad refereeing, but what an entertaining game of football, I thoroughly enjoyed it.