It was Hunt’s clutch 40/20 which led to Xavier Willison charging over for his second try of the night, and he had strong support from Walsh to guide Brisbane home.
Willison proves the game breaker
Xavier Willison has proclaimed his desire to force his way into the Broncos’ starting pack – an almighty task given the men in his path are two of the NRL’s leading props.
But there is no doubt his two-try heroics off the bench proved the match-winner.
Xavier Willison reaches out to score for the Brisbane Broncos against Wests Tigers.Credit: NRL Photos
The Tigers were looking ominous in the opening half, scoring three of the first four tries through Luke Laulilii, Turuva and Starford To’a, but Willison’s charge from close range and long reach is what got the Broncos back into the contest.
The 22-year-old was at it again to kickstart proceedings two minutes after the sides came out of the halftime break, before he was subbed off after accumulating 73 running metres and seven tackle busts.
“Our four interchanges we have there are working really well there, but big X is doing a good job for us. He’s growing as a player just being around those other two and playing good footy, there’s so much up side to him, and he’s just learning to do it week in, week out.”
Broncos coach Michael Maguire
Maroons defector giving Tigers hope
While the scoreline eventually blew out courtesy of a rapid opening to the second half, the Tigers showed plenty of fight to take an early lead and never relented.
And fullback Jahream Bula was at the heart of plenty they did well.
Finishing with two try assists, a linebreak, a linebreak assist and 118 running metres, the youngster has worked strongly with fellow spine members Lachie Galvin, Api Koroisau and the suspended Jarome Luai, but his comments ruling him out of donning the Queensland Maroons’ jumper will no doubt draw the ire of fans north of the border.
The Keebra Park product is only eligible for Queensland in State of Origin, but has openly admitted to backing the Blues and pledging his allegiance to the Blues.
But with him at the back, Wests have signs of life after several seasons in the doldrums.
“I think his development has been great, we love having him in our team. That’s for a lot of our team, as a club I feel like we’re moving in the right direction – things are improving. We’re two from five at the moment, so we’ve got a big game this week.”
Tigers coach Benji Marshall
Broncos back row depth to be under the spotlight
Despite the emphatic victory, the Broncos watched on as concerning scenes unfolded for Brendan Piakura, who was stretchered off with less than three minutes remaining following an ugly head knock.
Brendan Piakura was assisted from the field for the Brisbane Broncos against Wests Tigers.Credit: NRL Photos
The NRLs mandatory 11-day standout period will rule the edge forward out of Friday night’s clash with the Sydney Roosters, and Jordan Riki’s two-match suspension could expose Brisbane’s lack of back row options.
Jaiyden Hunt, who joined the bench in Riki’s absence, will be the favourite to move into the starting jumper, while Ben Te Kura will be an option to play his first NRL game of the year.
“He’s OK, he’s in there filthy he’s put his head in the wrong spot, but he’s OK. He’s in there singing and enjoying himself, so we’ll follow the protocol there.”
Michael Maguire
