In a dominant display of skill and strength, the Brisbane Broncos cruised to a 22-0 victory over their feeder club, the Burleigh Bears, in their first hit-out of the 2025 NRL season. The match, played in front of a passionate crowd at Pizzey Park, showcased the depth and potential of the Broncos’ squad as they fine-tuned their preparations for the upcoming campaign.
The Broncos, coming off a promising 2024 season, fielded a mix of experienced first-graders and some younger talents eager to make a mark. The team’s intensity was evident from the first whistle, as they immediately took control of the match. Burleigh, while boasting some experienced players, struggled to break down the Broncos’ well-organized defensive line and were unable to make significant inroads throughout the match.
The opening try came early in the first half, with star halfback Adam Reynolds orchestrating play with his trademark kicking game. Reynolds put in a perfectly weighted grubber, which was collected by winger Herbie Farnworth, who dotted down in the corner. The Broncos’ strong forward pack, led by Payne Haas, quickly established dominance in the middle, creating plenty of space for their backs to exploit.
As the first half wore on, the Broncos continued to assert themselves, dominating possession and field position. The Burleigh defense held firm for long stretches, but the Broncos’ clinical attack eventually proved too much. The second try came from a strong line break by centre Kotoni Staggs, who powered through the Burleigh defense and linked up with fullback Reece Walsh for a try under the posts. Walsh’s conversion extended the Broncos’ lead to 12-0 heading into the break.
In the second half, the Broncos continued to apply relentless pressure. Burleigh showed glimpses of attacking intent, but the Broncos’ defense was rock-solid. Led by captain Patrick Carrigan, Brisbane’s forwards ensured that Burleigh rarely had any space to work with. The combination of speed and strength in both attack and defense made it clear that the Broncos were ready for the challenges of the new season.
Midway through the second half, the Broncos added to their lead with a well-executed play down the left edge. A cut-out pass from Reynolds found Farnworth in space, and he offloaded to outside back Xavier Coates, who sprinted over for a brilliant try. With the conversion added, the Broncos were 18-0 up.
As the game drew to a close, the Broncos sealed the win with a final try from young forward Corey Oates, who capped off a hard-working performance with a try close to the line. The Broncos’ defensive effort remained unwavering, and despite a few late Burleigh chances, they held firm to complete the shutout, finishing with a 22-0 victory.
For the Broncos, it was a perfect start to their 2025 preseason, with a dominant performance that demonstrated their readiness for the upcoming NRL season. The combination of experience and youth within their ranks looked promising, and coach Kevin Walters will be pleased with the effort and intensity shown by his side. While Burleigh had moments of resilience, they were ultimately outclassed by the more polished Broncos, who will look to carry this momentum into the new year.
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