Arabic version: انتهاء حملة برونكوس للدفاع عن اللقب بعد الخسارة أمام نايتس

According to ABC News, Brisbane Broncos have been eliminated from the NRL finals race after a 30-6 home loss to the Newcastle Knights. The reigning premiers will be the first defending champions in 20 years to miss the finals, following Wests Tigers in 2006 after their 2005 grand final win.

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire said the playing group needed to support one another through a difficult period. The Broncos have six wins this season, with injuries and poor performances affecting their premiership defence. The defeat was their 10th in 11 matches and their seventh straight loss in Queensland in the same season.

Newcastle moved into sixth place on 28 points and have a bye still to come. Fletcher Sharpe scored twice, while Greg Marzhew also scored a double. Kalyn Ponga set up Dominic Young and was involved in a backline move finished by hooker Phoenix Crossland. Reece Walsh scored Brisbane’s only try, converting it after the Bunker ruled his kick had gone over the crossbar.

Elsewhere, Penrith defeated Canberra 42-18 in Mudgee, with winger Tom Jenkins becoming the first player in 72 years to score multiple tries in 12 matches during a season. The New Zealand Warriors consolidated their place in the NRL top four with a 42-6 win over the Gold Coast Titans. Tigers, Roosters and Cowboys won on the opening day of NRLW Magic Round.