‘As good as you will see’: Broncos’ bittersweet highlight after ‘inspirational’ try-saver

Pre-game the Fox League team dealt the Broncos a brutal reality check.

The signing of Adam Reynolds would go some way to reversing the club’s dwindling form next year but more was needed.

“It is effort and attitude,” Michael Ennis said.

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“The fans deserve for Brisbane to walk away at the end of the season and go next year looks a little optimistic for us because we’ve got a group of blokes that are committed and want to have a go.”

Well, there was no denying Xavier Coates’ commitment as he came up with one of the try-saving tackles of the season to chase down Rabbitohs centre Dane Gagai.

Gagai intercepted a pass from Tesi Niu and sprinted away with Alex Johnston in support.

He backed himself though but Coates did not give up the chase, instead staying with Gagai the whole way before tackling him just as the try line loomed.

“One of the try-saving tackles of the season”, Yvonne Sampson said at halftime.

“An incredible effort and wonderful desparation.”

That desperation has been lacking at times for the Broncos in 2021, who have the worst defensive record in the league.

It was the kind of resilience Brisbane was calling for with both Selwyn Cobbo and Jesse Arthars (head knocks) ruled out of the game, throwing defensive combinations out the window.

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“What a tackle it was, outstanding,” Michael Ennis added.

Andrew Voss and Greg Alexander were stunned by the effort from Coates while speaking in commentary for Fox League.

“I said Brisbane playing with spirit and there is no greater example than that,” Voss said.

“Can’t he run Xavier Coates,” Alexander replied.

“Chased him down after giving 10 metres. Look at the stride. Gagai thought he could get there, has Johnston unmarked and got him at the death.”

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“That is as good as you will see,” Voss added.

“He is a centimetre from scoring. He is as close as you can get.”

Unfortunately for the Broncos Coates will not be at the club next year having signed on with the Melbourne Storm.