Pivot duel a fizzer as Broncs win

THE much-hyped Origin showdown between Daly Cherry-Evans and Anthony Milford ( pictured) degenerated into a fizzer as the Broncos produced a great escape last night at Suncorp Stadium.

In the ultimate game of two halves, the Broncos overcame a first-half siesta, fighting back from a 14-0 deficit to dispose of Manly 24-14.

The battle between CherryEvans and Milford for the Queensland No.6 jumper was touted as the centrepiece of the second instalment of last night’s double-header.

But when the dust had settled, neither submitted an emphatic case to wear Maroon if champion pivot Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) fails to recover in time for Origin I.

Unless Corey Norman produces a blinder today for the Eels against the Roosters, Cowboys pivot Michael Morgan deserves to be on standby for Thurston for the Origin opener.

CherryEvans showed some nice touches to help Manly to a 14-0 half-time lead, but with the game on the line, he disappeared quicker than David Copperfield as the Broncos surged home.

Milford, meanwhile, also produced a mixed bag, lacking penetration in the first half before playing with more surety after the break to help the Broncos to their fifth-consecutive victory.

If anything, both were overshadowed by pint-sized Kodi Nikorima. The Broncos half ignited the fightback, setting up Milford’s 44th-minute try before scoring the solo try that gave the hosts a crucial 18-14 lead 14 minutes from time.

When Corey Oates crossed for his second try five minutes from time for a 10-point break, the Sea Eagles were shot as Brisbane rocketed into equal second on the NRL ladder.

Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic was helped off the field after landing awkwardly trying to catch a Broncos bomb in the 64th minute, leaving his NSW State of Origin hopes in limbo.