Brisbane’s premiership defence is hanging by a thread after a damaging 24-18 home defeat to the Roosters, leaving the reigning champions needing a near-perfect finish to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Broncos surrendered a 16-12 halftime lead as Sydney dominated the second half in wet conditions, with Sam Walker scoring the decisive try before adding a late penalty goal to seal victory. The loss was compounded by concern for Queensland prop Lindsay Collins, who was placed on report for a high tackle before leaving the field with concussion, placing his availability for the State of Origin decider in doubt.
While Tom Duffy impressed in Brisbane’s depleted halves, the Broncos lacked cohesion as the Roosters’ experienced trio of Walker, Daly Cherry-Evans and James Tedesco guided their side to a win that keeps them firmly entrenched in the top four.
