Bulldogs Suffer Shock in Harrowing Encounter as Broncos Unleash Scoring Frenzy

A previously undefeated Canterbury Bulldogs side has been left “shellshocked” at Suncorp Stadium as the Brisbane Broncos unleashed a flurry of tries in the pouring rain.

The Bulldogs entered the match with aspirations of achieving their first-ever 7-0 start to a season, but they quickly found themselves in disarray.

The visitors had a nightmarish beginning, conceding 12 points within just 10 minutes, facing two penalties and losing a player to the sin bin.

Referee Gerard Sutton sent Jacob Preston off for a high tackle on Payne Haas after Curran’s arm struck the Broncos prop’s head, without delay in his decision to penalise the Bulldogs player.

“It’s a minor lack of discipline that has caught the Bulldogs out… it’s not something we’ve really witnessed from them this season,” remarked Cameron Smith on Nine.

“Penalties and mistakes are piling up,” he noted. “The Bulldogs look absolutely stunned.”

The situation deteriorated further for the visitors as star five-eighth Matt Burton was taken off the field by the independent doctor for a concussion assessment.

However, the departure of the duo triggered a scoring frenzy for the home side.

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Deine Mariner was the first to hit the scoreboard during Preston’s time in the sin bin, scoring effortlessly in the corner thanks to a precise kick from Adam Reynolds.

Gehamat Shibasaki then crossed the line, followed by Mariner who notched up his second try.

Jesse Arthars then crashed over in the 31st minute, extending the lead to a staggering 32-nil.

“The Bulldogs are in shock. I’m astonished,” Brad Fittler said on Nine.

Just when it seemed the Dogs were recovering from Preston’s sin bin stint, they were dealt another harsh blow when Sitili Tupouniua was also sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

Sutton decided that Tupouniua led with his shoulder into the tackle and made contact with Brendan Piakura’s head.

However, this decision left Nine’s commentary team scratching their heads. “Of course he leads with his shoulder; that’s part of making a tackle in rugby league,” Smith remarked.

Fittler concluded, “That was ridiculous. He shouldn’t have been sent to the sin bin.”

Earlier in the match, a mistake by Jacob Preston in the opening set allowed the Broncos to capitalise, with Xavier Willison scoring the first try.

A 40/20 kick from Billy Walters kept the Bulldogs on the back foot, paving the way for Reynolds to score the second try.

However, the skipper’s attempt to score was mired in concern as he immediately clutched his right shoulder and went down to the ground.

“Very painful,” commented Brad Fittler on Nine.

Cameron Smith worried it could be an AC joint injury, but after a brief evaluation by the trainers, the halfback was cleared to continue.