- Brisbane pays the price for lackluster first half
The Brisbane Broncos have suffered a shock 30-24 loss to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge despite a furious finish at MKM Stadium.
The defending NRL premiers were heavily tipped to make light work of the Super League champions, but found themselves down 30-4 just after the halftime break.
Three tries in the space of five minutes gave the Broncos hope of a miraculous comeback, but they ultimately fell just short.
Gehamat Shibasaki scored a double while Patrick Carrigan, Deine Mariner and Kotoni Staggs all crossed for tries.
Both sides scored five tries apiece with the boot of halfback Adam Reynolds letting the Broncos down, converting just two of their tries.
It was a huge result for NRL coach-in-waiting Willie Peters, who steered the rank underdogs to victory over the Broncos.
Peta Hiku (left) celebrates with Jez Litten after scoring a try during the World Club Challenge
Tom Amone of Hull KR escapes the last-ditch defensive effort of Payne Haas to extend the lead
Reece Walsh finds some clear space but was unable to score in the Broncos loss to Hull KR
‘I’ll be honest, I didn’t give them much of an opportunity against the Brisbane Broncos,’ Cooper Cronk said.
‘Willie Peters, quadruple win, that is historic in any form of sport.
‘Performance is king and putting trophies on your resume are only going to make you more attractive when it comes to maybe other jobs in England or potentially here in Australia.’
Peters praised his charges for digging in when the Broncos turned the tables in the second half.
‘It was the longest 20-odd minutes of my life,’ he said.
‘I am just really happy with the way they scrambled, fought and dug in to win.
‘We were the underdogs. Not many people thought we could win.’
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