A sensational performance from Adam Reynolds has led the Brisbane Broncos to a stunning comeback win over a plucky Canterbury Bulldogs outfit.
Despite coming into the match with their roster ravaged by both injuries and the COVID-19 virus, the Bulldogs put up a strong first half before the Broncos ran out 34-14 winners at Suncorp Stadium.
The Bulldogs looked set to record a monumental upset win when Matt Dufty gave his team a 14-6 lead in the 44th minute, but it would prove to be Canterbury’s final scoring play of the match as Reynolds took over.
AS IT HAPPENED: Broncos comeback stuns plucky Bulldogs
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The star off-season recruit notched two of his three try assists and scored one of his own in a breathtaking second-half showing, as Brisbane reeled off five unanswered tries to close out the match.
“Adam Reynolds in the last 30 minutes of the game has put on a masterclass with his kicking game,” NRL legend Johnathan Thurston said on Nine’s overage.
“He’s had the ball in his hand and come up with some really big plays, and that’s what you want from your halves. When the game is on the line you want the ball in his hands. He’s been outstanding.”
Reynolds joined Cory Paix, Selwyn Cobbo and Rhys Kennedy as Brisbane’s second-half try-scorers after Corey Oates had scored the team’s first try of the night in the 34th minute.
The Brisbane skipper combined to lethal effect with Cobbo in particular, with the young winger scoring a double and setting up Kennedy’s try in the 76th minute with a brilliant kick.
The win came despite an injury scare for Payne Haas in the opening minutes of the match.
Haas sent shockwaves through the Broncos’ camp when he disappeared down the tunnel clutching his left shoulder, but he was able to return and ran out the match without any issues.
It was a disappointing fade out for the Bulldogs after a brave start that saw two first-half tries to Josh Addo-Carr.
Addo-Carr’s early double allowed the Bulldogs to build a 10-0 lead as the team’s defence earned rave reviews from league great Paul ‘Fatty’ Vautin.
“This Bulldogs defence has been nothing short of spectacular tonight,” he said on commentary for Nine.
“They’re really working hard for each other, talking, pointing at each other. Hence the Broncos cannot get over the line.”
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However, despite a valiant effort from the undermanned Bulldogs, they seemed visibly weary in the second half as the Broncos ran over the top to record their third win of the season.
Brisbane will host the Cronulla Sharks in round eight, while the Bulldogs will be up against the Sydney Roosters.