New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\nThe Warriors then faced their own drama just 60 seconds later, Metcalf injuring his hamstring as he kicked a conversion after Alofiana Khan-Pereira intercepted a Walsh pass and raced 90 metres to score.<\/p>\n
It was Walsh\u2019s final touch of the night \u2013 and the superstar fullback may not be seen again this season if scans confirm a serious high-ankle sprain.<\/p>\n
Metcalf soon followed Walsh up the tunnel, screaming \u201cF***!\u201d in abject frustration, and the Warriors will be sweating on the fate of their classy No.7.<\/p>\n
Amid the injury chaos, the Warriors (15-6) bolted to a 20-0 half-time lead and turned the screws after the break in a seven-try trouncing that all-but sealed a top-four spot.<\/p>\n
“Really Professional” Webster | 03:29<\/p>\n
BIG HITS<\/p>\n
BRITTLE BRONCOS<\/p>\n
The 16th-placed Broncos (6-15) should be embarrassed by another defensive capitulation as they crashed to a 12th loss from their past 13 games.<\/p>\n
Brisbane\u2019s edge defence was technically appalling. They were either too passive or jammed too quickly, opening up holes for the Warriors to race in two early tries for a 10-0 lead.<\/p>\n
Five-eighth Ezra Mam missed seven tackles and his limp 71st-minute jersey grab on Nicoll-Klokstad crystallised the fallen premiers\u2019 attitude.<\/p>\n
The Warriors whipping was Brisbane\u2019s 15th defeat of the season \u2013 the most losses suffered in history by a defending premier, underlining the Broncos\u2019 annus horribilis.<\/p>\n
The 16th-placed Broncos (6-15) have now lost a record eight straight home games at Suncorp and will enter the wooden-spoon danger zone if the last-placed Dragons beat the Tigers on Sunday.<\/p>\n
‘DEVASTATING’: Metcalf & Walsh go down | 01:13<\/p>\n
BARNEY THE BRUTE<\/p>\n
Warriors prop Mitch Barnett made an emphatic statement with a barnstorming display against his future club.<\/p>\n
Any criticism of Brisbane\u2019s decision to sign the 32-year-old prop was silenced by a Barnett-inspired brutal midfield belting of a Broncos side that couldn\u2019t handle the physicality and power of the Wahs pack.<\/p>\n
Barnett (152m), James Fisher-Harris (108m) and Erin Clark (109m) were magnificent to keep the Warriors in equal second, in the process exposing the form slump of Brisbane\u2019s best two forwards Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan.<\/p>\n
Souths-bound Payne Haas (95m) is labouring to the Red Hill finish line, while Carrigan (78m) looks a shadow of the ironman lock who inspired Brisbane\u2019s premiership win last season.<\/p>\n
Wahs CRUSH Broncos despite huge blow | 03:15<\/p>\n
MADGE\u2019S MISERY<\/p>\n
Brisbane bosses won\u2019t sack Michael Maguire this season but the Broncos coach needs to stop the Red Hill rot in 2027 or the drums will be beating.<\/p>\n
This has become unacceptable. Brisbane powerbrokers don\u2019t tolerate regular blowouts. The Broncos haven\u2019t won at home since April 24 and they are defending like a team devoid of enthusiasm and desire.<\/p>\n
The Broncos were blown off the park by the Warriors and they look miles off the quality required to compete with this year\u2019s title contenders.<\/p>\n
By contrast, the Warriors are a bona fide title threat. Their backline beasts are humming and if Barnett, Fisher-Harris and Clark stay fit, the Warriors can win New Zealand\u2019s first NRL premiership.<\/p>\n
JUDICIARY WATCH<\/p>\n
CNK was placed on report and sin binned for a bad hip drop tackle on Reece Walsh. No charges in the past 12 months.<\/p>\n
Tanner Stowers-Smith was put on report in the 50th minute for a high tackle, no previous charges.<\/p>\n
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak scored in the 52nd minute and became the first player in premiership history to score in seven straight games against the Broncos<\/p>\n
Jacob Laban was placed on report in the second half for a head slam tackle. No charges in the past 12 months. <\/p>\n
Ali Leiataua was placed on report just before full time for a high tackle. No charges since 2024.<\/p>\n
FOX LAB STATS<\/p>\n
Expected Set Points: Broncos 28.7, Warriors 17.7 <\/p>\n
Broncos were held to nil for 60 minutes and managed just one try despite 41 tackles in the opposition 20 more than double the Warriors.<\/p>\n
Three straight wins for the Warriors to move into equal second with the Panthers. Have won five of their last six games. <\/p>\n
15th loss of the season for the Broncos, have now won just one from 13 since round 8. Could still finish last if the Dragons win tomorrow. <\/p>\n
First time since 2013 the Warriors have swept the series against the Broncos. <\/p>\n
Fox Lab POTM – Chanel Harris-Tavita scored a try for the fourth consecutive game, provided two try assists and steered the ship with the Warriors losing Metcalf in the first half. Kicked four goals and had 491 kick metres in a dominant victory<\/p>\n
The best performers on the night.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n
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