Boosted by the return of Elijah Taylor and Jamie Soward the Panthers went into the game confident of causing an upset over the top of the table Broncos. The Panthers started the game in an attacking frame of mind, looking to keep the ball alive at every opportunity.
The game went down to the wire with Corey Oates stealing a dramatic victory for the Broncos with a 79th minute match winner.
Jamie Soward looked to have gotten the Panthers off to a flyer in the 5th minute when an Isaac John bomb was regathered by Simmons and kept alive by Nigel Plum and Lewis Brown. The smallest of knock-ons by Soward attempting to put the ball down was enough for the video ref to rule against the on field decision.
The opening period of the game went from end to end however crucial handling errors from both sides let the opposition off the hook on a number of occasions.
In the 19th minute Alex Glenn got within centimetres of getting the opening try of the game. Desperate defence from Isaac John and Matt Moylan held him up.
A controversial penalty against Waqa Blake and Jamie Soward for a second movement on Jordan Kahu gave the Broncos a great opportunity nine out from the break. Strong Panthers defence in the middle of the ruck sustained the pressure before a Broncos forward pass let the Panthers breathe a little easier.
The Broncos opened the scoring four minutes before the break through winger Jordan Kahu. He received a great cut out ball from Anthony Milford. Corey Parker’s conversion sliced the outside of the upright.
Dallin Waten-Zelezniak was taken out by Anthony Milford chasing his own kick with 40 seconds remaining. The Panthers opted for the two points which was nicely converted by Matt Moylan.
HALF TIME – Broncos 4-2
The second half started as the first with plenty of free flowing play.
Tyrone Peachey challenged a Jamie Soward bomb in the 55th minute which was knocked on by Corey Parker. On the following set Josh McGuire lifted Bryce Cartwright ten metres out right in front of the posts. Matt Moylan stepped up and slotted the penalty to tie the game up at 4 all in the 57th minute.
In the 60th minute Tyrone Peachey was placed on report for lifting Adam Blair.
The Broncos had the best of the next period of play with repeat set after repeat set. Alex Glenn crossed the line in the 65th minute only to be held up by desperate defence from Isaah Yeo, Matt Moylan and David Simmons.
Jack Reed used his strength to try and barge over but lost the ball under heavy pressure from Matt Moylan.
Locked up heading into the final six minutes Corey Parker got knocked on as Moylan attempted an offload. On the following set Matt Moylan stepped up to slot home a field goal to make it 5-4 with five minutes remaining.
With three minutes remaining the Broncos set up for a field goal. Ben Hunt had the chance to level the game but sprayed the attempt from around 15 metres out.
With one more opportunity the Broncos went wide and Corey Oates ran the straight line and burst through to touch down over the try line and break the hearts of the Panthers who defended with grit all game.
Corey parker missed the conversion as the Broncos snatched it at the death 8 points to 5.
FULL TIME: Broncos 8-5
OFFICAL CROWD: 24,566
Panthers Goals: Matt Moylan - 2 from 2
Field Goals: Matt Moylan - 1 from 1
Broncos Tries: Jordan Kahu, Corey Oates
