This high-octane showdown was the perfect Las Vegas warm-up, leaving the Cowboys in the dust and Broncos fans dreaming of glory.
The field, more swamp than grass after relentless downpours, became the stage for a Broncos masterclass.
Despite giving their marquee players a breather in the second act, the Broncos unleashed an eight-try extravaganza under the sweltering sun, leaving an underpowered Cowboys squad gasping for air.
Brisbane’s Brendan Piakura emerged as the headline act, dazzling the crowd with a duo of tries, a whopping 101 running metres, and a flurry of five tackle busts—all before halftime. The halftime whistle was his cue to bow out, but by then, his performance had already etched itself into Broncos lore.
Reece Walsh, the Broncos’ fullback magician, conjured up his signature moves, stitching together a tapestry of try assists, line breaks, and a pivotal 40-20 kick. His post-halftime spree was a blitzkrieg that featured in three tries, leaving the Cowboys bewildered and beaten.
Supporting roles were played to perfection by Corey Jensen, Pat Carrigan, and Payne Haas, each delivering powerhouse performances that had the stat sheets bulging. Jock Madden, the maestro in the halves, and Selwyn Cobbo, in his debut as the center of attention, provided thrilling moments that had fans roaring approval.
The Broncos’ scoring spree kicked off with Corey Oates flying down the left wing, courtesy of a Cobbo masterstroke, while Adam Reynolds, the skipper, weaved his magic to set Piakura on a path to the try line not once but twice.
The Cowboys, despite being outgunned, showed flashes of defiance.
A daring intercept by Semi Valemei and a bulldozing try by Kulikefu Finefeuiaki offered brief glimmers of hope. But the Broncos, undeterred, kept their foot on the gas, with Walsh and company turning the second half into a highlight reel of rugby league excellence.
