Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds Shine as Broncos Defeat Cowboys 26-16
Fans of rugby league always look forward to the Queensland Derby, which is a match between the Brisbane Broncos VS North Queensland Cowboys. The most recent match, which took place at Suncorp Stadium on March 21, 2025, lived up to the hype. It was intense, full of skill, and full of moments that people will remember.
Match Overview
The Broncos beat the Cowboys 26–16, which was their second win under coach Michael Maguire. The game showed how good the Broncos were at offence and how tough the Cowboys were, making it exciting from beginning to end.
First Half: Broncos Establish Early Lead
In the first half, the Broncos showed that they were the better team. Even though the Cowboys had the ball first, Brisbane’s defence held strong. Taking advantage of their chances, the Broncos scored two tries, giving them a 12-0 lead at halfway.
Second Half: Cowboys Fight Back
The Cowboys quickly closed the gap after coming out of the break with more energy. An early try and Murray Taulagi’s score in the 53rd minute tied the game at 12-12, setting the stage for an exciting ending.
Key Player Performances
Adam Reynolds: The Great One
Halfback Adam Reynolds played brilliantly, scoring 14 points with a try, five goals, and an assist for a try. He helped lead the Broncos to win with smart play-calling and accurate kicking.
Payne Haas: The Battering Ram
Payne Haas showed why he’s one of the best props in the game at just 25 years old. Haas was so fast that he was compared to stars like Jonah Lomu after running for 210 metres and scored a crucial try. He got the Carl Webb Medal for Player of the Game for all his hard work.
Tactical Analysis
Broncos’ Offensive Strategies
The Broncos used a lively attack, with Reynolds setting up plays and taking advantage of their backs’ speed. The Cowboys’ defence had to work hard to keep up with this plan, which created several chances to score.
Cowboys’ Defensive Resilience
But even though they lost, the Cowboys’ defence got a lot better. After giving up 78 points in their first two games, this game’s planned defence showed a great improvement.
Points of Turning
Reece Walsh’s Redemption
Back row Reece Walsh had a rough night. He made five mistakes. He made up for it, though, with a key cut-out pass to Jesse Arthars that led to a try that turned the game back in the Broncos’ favour.
Haas’ Decisive Try
Payne Haas’s solo try showed how strong and quick he was. His run through the Cowboys’ defence not only made the Broncos’ lead bigger, but it also made it less likely for the Cowboys to come back.
Post-Match Reactions
Coaches’ Insights
Coach Michael Maguire praised his team’s toughness and pointed out that Reynolds and Haas had great games. The Cowboys’ coach, Todd Payten, said that the defence had gotten better and that they needed to keep it up in future games.
Player Reflections
Players from both teams knew how intense the derby was. Adam Reynolds, the captain of the Broncos, was happy with the win but stressed the need for continuity. The Cowboys’ players stayed upbeat and focused on the good things about their energetic second half performance.
Implications for the Season
Broncos’ Momentum
The Broncos move up the standings with this win, which boosts team spirit. They will need to keep this progress going as they face tougher opponents in the next games.
Cowboys’ Quest for Redemption
Even though the Cowboys lost, their play showed potential. If they want to get their first win of the season, they will need to work on their defensive flaws and make their attack more cohesive.
Conclusion
The Queensland Derby once more showed how passionate and skilled rugby league players are. The Broncos won because they had a good mix of knowledge and young energy. On the other hand, the Cowboys showed toughness that made them look good for the rest of the season. As both teams continue their seasons, fans can look forward to more exciting games.
