Forgotten star's timely Origin reminder; Hynes shines amid Sharks ...

The Broncos beat the Sharks 20-12 on the back of an explosive performance from Kotoni Staggs, while Nicho Hynes starred as the home side missed multiple chances at PointsBet Stadium.

Staggs finished with a whopping 212 metres to go with seven tackle busts, two linebreaks, a try assist and a try in a brilliant outing.

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Staggs barged over from close range off a brilliant Jordan Riki run as the Broncos scored first.

Siosifa Talakai ran a superb line off a ball from Hynes as the Sharks took the lead.

The Broncos spread the ball to Corey Oates who broke away before toeing ahead for Ezra Mam to score a long-range stunner.

Staggs produced a brilliant chip kick for Jesse Arthars to score as the Broncos extended their lead right on half-time.

Reece Walsh set up Herbie Farnworth for a try to all but seal the result for the Broncos.

William Kennedy kicked ahead for himself to score a consolation try and set up a nervy finish, but the Broncos held on to jump them on the ladder.

BIG HITS

STAGGS’ TIMELY ORIGIN REMINDER IN POWERHOUSE DISPLAY

Kotoni Staggs reminded everyone of his Origin credentials with a brilliant performance against the Sharks.

Staggs finished with a whopping 212 metres to go with seven tackle busts, two linebreaks, a try assist and a try to torment the Sharks all night.

Michael Ennis believes Staggs is playing better now than when he debuted for the Blues last year.

“It was a ferocious battle between Staggs and Talakai,” Ennis said.

“Kotoni Staggs up to near the 200 metre mark. Seven tackle busts and two linebreaks.

“He was super impressive tonight Staggs.

“He is playing better now than what he was when he was selected for Origin. He is in great form Staggs.

“He was the best player on the field tonight.”

Dan Ginnane pointed out that Staggs battled a shoulder injury suffered in Origin I last year and is finally back to full fitness.

“Kevin Walters said this week that Kotoni Staggs should be in the discussion for NSW,” Ginnane said.

“He is sort of out of sight out of mind Kotoni, but he is not out of sight tonight.

“He picked up a shoulder injury in Origin I last year and played with it for the rest of the season, so his numbers were down and it was pretty easy to understand why once it was revealed he had the separated shoulder.”

HYNES A MAN ON A MISSION AS SHARKS RUE MISSED CHANCES

The Sharks were left to rue plenty of missed opportunities in their defeat to the Broncos, but Nicho Hynes looked dangerous in his first game back from a disappointing Origin I.

Hynes only had limited minutes against the Maroons and he looked a man on a mission for the Sharks against the Broncos.

Unfortunately, Cronulla just couldn’t capitalise on the multiple chances they created, particularly in the first half and the Broncos’ staunch defence had plenty to do with that.

Hynes finished with 17 metres, an offload, four linebreak assists and a try assist as he looked to make a statement after his frustrating lack of game time in his Origin debut.

The pass he put on for Siosifa Talakai’ try was perfect and the Blues could have used a play like that on Wednesday night.

Michael Ennis noted how many chances Hynes created that the Sharks just couldn’t put away.

“He was tearing the Broncos apart on both sides of the field tonight,” Ennis said.

While Jarome Luai has been a loyal servant for the Blues, Hynes’ ability to create multiple chances for his teammates in every game he plays makes him hard to ignore in a must win Origin II at Suncorp Stadium.

MAM SHINES IN BRILLIANT HALVES COMBINATION WITH REYNOLDS

Ezra Mam is benefiting from playing alongside the brilliant Adam Reynolds and the Broncos are riding their star halves to victory.

Mam and Reynolds complement each other perfectly with the halfback controlling the game with his kicking and leadership, allowing his five-eighth to use his devastating running game.

Reynolds finished with 25 run metres, a tackle bust, and 23 tackles, while he strangled the Sharks out of the contest with his kicking game.

Mam finished with 63 run metres, two offloads, a linebreak assist and a length of the field try that began and ended with the young No.6.

Mam pushed the ball wide near his own goal line to put Corey Oates away, who chipped ahead allowing Mam to charge through and score a remarkable try.

If Mam keeps learning his trade from his master halfback he can be a Broncos half for the next 10 years.

MATCH PREVIEW

The Cronulla Sharks and Brisbane Broncos will look to take top spot on the NRL ladder if only for 24 hours as they go head-to-head at Pointsbet Stadium.

Both sides are on 18 points and only a seven-point differential between them, highlighting just how close this contest could be.

However, the winner could be usurped by the Penrith Panthers on Sunday night as they too have 18 points but a significantly larger points differential in their favour.

The Sharks did not play last round thanks to the bye, while the Broncos edged out a 26-22 win over the Warriors.

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The home side is boosted by the presence of Nicho Hynes at halfback and he will have plenty of legs in him given he only got a handful of minutes for NSW in Origin I.

Brisbane will also welcome back a host of Origin stars too including Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan.

TEAMS

Sharks: 1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Siosifa Talakai 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Matt Moylan 7. Nicho Hynes 8. Oregon Kaufusi 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Royce Hunt 11. Briton Nikora 12. Teig Wilton 13. Dale Finucane 14. Wade Graham 15. Jack Williams 16. Thomas Hazelton 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele

Broncos: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 22. Corey Oates 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 19. Brendan Piakura

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