The nightmare grows for bumbling Broncos

FOR the Tigers, it was like something out of a dream.

For Brisbane, it was the continuation of a nightmare from which it must feel it may never wake.

In one of their best performances under Michael Maguire, the Tigers ran out 48-0 winners on Friday night at Leichhardt Oval on the back of brilliant performances from Benji Marshall and Harry Grant.

The Tigers ran up their highest score in almost five years in their biggest win over Brisbane and recorded their first shutout since 2012.

Brisbane’s win over Canterbury

last week has clearly only papered over the cracks and the team has resumed its grim march through what is fast becoming the worst season in Broncos history.

There was nothing overly complex about the Tigers’ fivetry blitzkrieg in the opening half – they were up 26-0 at the break because they moved with more purpose, chased loose balls that little bit harder and were more willing to throw themselves into physical contests In short, they played with the kind of desperation and hunger the Broncos have lacked all season.

Fans keep waiting for things to turn around for Brisbane, for regular service to resume and their undeniable talent and potential to shine through like sunlight through the clouds.

But halfway through the season it is clear this is not a temporary crisis – it has happened too many times.

And Brisbane will be without Corey Oates for some time after he suffered a serious ankle injury in the second half.