Broncos down Souths but Croft hurt
A SHOULDER injury to halfback Brodie Croft has soured Brisbane’s 22-18 NRL win over South Sydney at an empty Suncorp Stadium.
A try-scoring hat-trick to outstanding centre Kotoni Staggs fired up the Broncos, ensuring they overcame the surreal nature of a venue devoid of spectators due to coronavirus and made a perfect 2-0 start to the 2020 season.
There was much to be proud of for Brisbane fans who were watching from afar, however last night’s stirring victory was tempered by the sight of playmaker Croft being helped off the field in distress in just the 14th minute.
Croft was on fire from the outset, backing up from his inspirational hand in Brisbane’s opening-round 28-21 victory over North Queensland by setting up Staggs’ opening try in the seventh minute.
But disaster struck soon after as Croft crumpled to the ground, clutching his shoulder, with Broncos staff hinting the Melbourne recruit had suffered an AC injury and might be sidelined for three weeks.
At first, it made no difference to the Broncos’ juggernaut. At one stage, they enjoyed a 94 per cent completion rate, helping them to jump to a 10-0 lead only 23 minutes in after five-eighth Anthony Milford had beaten seven defenders to run 40m and score near the posts.
The Rabbitohs somehow snatched a 12-10 halftime lead after Cody Walker set up a 30th-minute try for Campbell Graham before helping himself to one four minutes later.
However, Brisbane kicked away when Staggs completed his hat-trick by crossing in the 49th and 57th minutes.