LEAGUE TRIALS EXCITE FANS
Brisbane wows the Downs
RUGBY LEAGUE: Brisbane’s future generation was on full show in Warwick on Saturday, as the Broncos thumped Souths Logan Magpies 42-0 at Father Ranger Oval.
Led by 17-year-old halfback Tom Dearden and boom 19year-old front rower Payne Haas, the NRL side was in full control of the one-sided trial.
Dearden opened the scoring in the Broncos’ first set of six, taking on the Magpies line on the last tackle and busting through two defenders on his way to the line.
Stand-in captain Jake Turpin, coming into the game as one of five players with first grade experience, saw an opportunity close to the line and snuck his way over from dummy half to push the lead out to 10 in as many minutes.
After defending their line throughout the middle stages of the first half, a second fourpointer to Dearden in the 32nd minute put a dagger in the hearts of the Intrust Super Cup team, as they trailed 16-0 at the break.
Haas extended the lead early in the second half, before Toowoomba product Cory Paix put the icing on the cake, evading defenders from beyond 20m out to cross the stripe.
After colliding with the goal post as he stretched out to attempt to score a try late in the second half, Paas was taken from the field, however was cleared of any injuries.
Paix told TRL Media’s Andrew O’Brien that he was pleased to be able to secure some minutes.
“It was a tough contest and was good to get the cobwebs out and be able to put into practice what we do every day at training,” Paix said.
“I had family here that came from Goondiwindi and Toowoomba, so it was good to come out to a local community like Warwick and give back.
“I haven’t achieved anything yet. I’m at the Broncos working hard. I get to do that every day and it’s a great job, and I’m honoured to be in the position I am.”
Kurt Richards, who took over the role of head coach while Anthony Seibold looked on from behind the posts, praised a staunch defensive stand from the side.
“Our major focus was on defence and we were outstanding,” he said.
“All our halves played well.” The Broncos will again take on Intrust Super Cup opposition in their trial match this Saturday when they play Wynnum Manly.
Paix will find out on Tuesday if he will again feature.