STORM START IN STYLE
ANTHONY Seibold’s Red Hill revolution received a stinging reality check last night after watching his error-riddled Broncos crash to a season-opening 22-12 loss to big guns Melbourne at AAMI Park.
The post-wayne Bennett era started dismally for the Broncos, whose debut under reigning NRL coach-of-theyear Seibold turned ugly against a Storm side that emphatically demonstrated what it takes to be the NRL’S kingpins.
Before 16,239 fans, the Broncos were ruthlessly beaten out of the blocks, collapsing to a 10-0 deficit after just 14 minutes as Seibold was left to digest a sloppy round-one showing replete with errors and poor efforts.
Reeling at 16-0 after 60 minutes, the Broncos gave Seibold hope of a stunning upset when winger Corey Oates (60th and 62nd minutes) scored twice in as many minutes to set-up a thrilling finale at 16-12.
But the Storm were al- ways fresher, sharper and smarter, finally plunging the dagger into Seibold’s Broncos when Jesse Bromwich atoned for an intercept pass by crashing over 12 minutes from time.
Premierships aren’t won in March, so Seibold won’t be hitting the panic button, but the Broncos need to find some energy and midfield aggression for next Friday night’s derby against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.
To compound the plight, star centre James Roberts lasted just six minutes before injuring his back, while prop Matt Lodge could come under scrutiny for a late shot on Cameron Munster in the second minute.