Maroons feel McGuire pain Broncos hit hard by Knights
QUEENSLAND’S hopes of Origin supremacy took a major hit last night after prop Josh McGuire suffered a season-ending injury in Brisbane’s 44-22 defeat of the Knights.
On a drama-charged night at Suncorp Stadium, a shattered McGuire ruptured his achilles in the 58th minute at the ground that will host the Origin decider on July 8.
To compound his agony, McGuire’s Broncos campaign is over.
The Blues have a migraine of their own after key enforcer Beau Scott hobbled off with a shoulder problem.
The Knights hardman lasted just 14 minutes before limping to the touchline and will be racing the clock to be fit for NSW’s shot at back-to-back Origin series wins on Wednesday week.
It was a night of chaos at Suncorp, with Knights forward Robbie Rochow (arm) and Broncos duo Jordan Kahu and Dale Copley (both concussion) also casualties.
Amid the bumps, breaks and bruises, the Broncos had some nervous moments before hitting top gear as Matt Gillett and Lachlan Maranta posted doubles before 27,246 fans.
The triumph gave Brisbane their fifth straight win to remain at the apex of the NRL but their joy was tempered by the ramifications of McGuire’s setback for his club and state.
The Maroons firebrand was playing strongly when he collapsed in midfield.
Within seconds, rival prop Korbin Sims streaked away to score to whittle Brisbane’s lead to 26-22 as McGuire sat in backplay holding his leg.
With McGuire out of Origin III, Maroons hulks Dylan Napa and Josh Papalii have rocketed into the frame.
Another Maroons contender, Newcastle centre Dane Gagai, came through unscathed, clinching his Queensland debut with a sizzling display, crossing the stripe in a 12-try points-fest.
Last week, Broncos coach Wane Bennett hailed his side’s heroic win against the Storm among Brisbane’s two best ever defensive efforts.
Last night, Bennett had no reason to sing from the rooftops. Brisbane were neither excellent nor abysmal, just good enough.
As equal league leaders, they always had the big guns to dictate the flow of the contest.
The Knights, their depth as skinny, were hungry, gutsy and punched above their weight.