The Brisbane Broncos overcame a determined Wests Tigers side at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, clinching a 46-24 win—but the victory was marred by key injuries.
Jesse Arthars and Xavier Willison both bagged doubles in a strong showing for the home side. However, the match took a downturn when captain Adam Reynolds left the field in the 46th minute with a hamstring issue, followed by Brendan Piakura suffering a heavy concussion late in the game.
Starford To’a also crossed twice for the Tigers, who were competitive in the first half and threatened to upset the hosts.
Reynolds had just scored a try from a chip-and-chase before converting his own effort, but appeared to tweak his hamstring while kicking. He signaled to the bench and headed straight down the tunnel. Thankfully, he was later seen on the exercise bike, with early signs suggesting tightness rather than a serious tear.
“Feels alright, just a little bit tight,” Reynolds told Fox League. “I’ll get a scan tomorrow, but I’m confident I’ll be right for next week.”
The 34-year-old was limited to just 13 appearances last season due to hamstring and neck issues, so his condition will be closely monitored.
Arthars got the Broncos off to a fast start with a fourth-minute try, though there was some controversy around the grounding. The Bunker reviewed it and ultimately gave the green light.
The Tigers responded through teenage sensation Luke Laulilii, who finished off a clever grubber from fellow youngster Lachlan Galvin.
Piakura was then sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Tigers forward Terrell May—one of several cards handed out during the NRL’s round four crackdown on high contact.
The Tigers capitalized with back-to-back tries from Sunia Turuva and To’a, with Jahream Bula instrumental in both.
Willison hit back just before the break, muscling over from dummy half, and Reynolds slotted a two-point field goal to give the Broncos a 14-12 edge at halftime.
Willison wasted no time after the break, grabbing his second try, followed by another moment of brilliance from Reynolds, who scored under the posts before succumbing to injury.
Tigers halfback Sione Fainu powered through for a try, but the Broncos responded with another from Arthars. To’a crossed again for the Tigers but was later sin-binned for a professional foul just before full time. Reece Walsh iced the match with a penalty goal after the final siren.
The game ended on a worrying note as Piakura was knocked unconscious while tackling Alex Twal, with his head colliding with Twal’s hip. The 22-year-old was taken from the field on a medicab but was reported to be conscious and speaking in the sheds afterward, according to Reynolds.
