Marcelo Montoya could find his spot in Canterbury’s line-up under scrutiny after the Bulldogs winger let in two tries in the clash against the Broncos on Friday night.
A depleted Broncos team completely outclassed the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium, racing out to a 20-0 lead at halftime as the Bulldogs proved to be their own worst enemy.
Brisbane claimed a dominant 32-12 victory to move within reach of the top four, while the Dogs are now 11th on the ladder.
On Fox League Luke Keary said he “did not see this coming”.
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Gehamat Shibashaki scored the first try off an Ezra Mam grubber kick, which Montoya failed to clear from the in-goal area — he swiped at the Steeden but Shibashaki swooped on the ball and scored.
“Montoya missed it! Marcelo Montoya did not tidy up,” Fox League commentator Andrew Voss said.
“It does have to be said, Montoya had a very unhappy day last week against Parramatta. One mistake became two became three.
“He’s now put a target on himself there. Shibashaki, Karapani down that left edge.”
Cooper Cronk said: “The kick comes through. All Montoya had to do was clean it up — ground the ball.”
Josiah Karapani scored the second try when Montoya was caught out of position out of defence creeping too far infield, and Ezra Mam took advantage, throwing a lovely ball out to Karapani who waltzed in to score in the corner.
“Watch the Bulldogs’ right defence come in. Montoya gives the space and Ezra Mam takes it,” Cooper Cronk said.
“Beautiful pass there from Ezra. We know he’s a beautiful runner but that is one of the better passes I’ve seen Ezra Mam throw.
“Look at the space outside Montoya here. Already made the error from the Shibashaki try. He just had no idea where Karapani was. He invited the pass by giving the space and Ezra Mam saw it.”
Greg Alexander said post-game: “Marcelo Montoya, you can tell he’s second guessing himself. He’s been a great player for a long time. You can tell every time the ball gets out there, they’re just not humming.”
The Bulldogs were without first choice winger Jacob Kiraz, who is sidelined after suffering a knee injury against the Eels last week.
Bulldogs star ‘in trouble’ for ugly tackle
Matt Burton is expected to come under scrutiny after being placed on report for an ugly dumping tackle on Kotoni Staggs that saw Burton lift the Broncos centre up and his head fell into the surf.
Braith Anasta said on Fox League: “There was an incident between Matt Burton and Kotoni Staggs that got a little bit awkward. He lands on his head.”
Kevin Walters said: “I’m quite amazed how Kotoni Staggs didn’t knock himself out there, maybe just got a bit of protection from Burton’s arm or something.
“That’s a dangerous tackle, that’ll go to the judiciary. I reckon he’s in a bit of trouble .”
Luke Keary added: “The way Staggs’ head hits the ground first. It’s on the defender not to put the attacker in a dangerous position.
“I know he’s only going for one-on-one rake there, but it looks really bad. It’s not your standard spear tackle.
Walters said: “His arms are locked up so he can’t protect himself. which puts him in a dangerous position.”
The Broncos ran in another two tries when Bulldogs forward Harry Hayes was sin binned for tripping Adam Reynolds after the halfback put in a kick. Luke Keary described the trip as a “brain snap” on Fox League.
“The Broncos are ripping the Bulldogs apart. What a first half performance this is,” Andrew Voss said in commentary as Brisbane raced out to a big lead.
Making matters worse for the Bulldogs, star backrower Viliame Kikau went down to the sheds after appearing to suffer a right pec injury in the first half.
The Bulldogs were well off the form that saw them defeat the Panthers, and Stephen Crichton wasn’t at his best on his return from injury.
“There was a couple of plays at the start of the game, they went to the right, they pulled them apart,” Keary said.
“There was an opportunity out the back twice for Crichton, he didn’t pass the ball. You could feel there energy drop from there.”
Kevin Walters said it was “a very disappointing Bulldogs side”.
“They just haven’t been in the fight whether it’s their discipline, their attack looks clunky,” he said.
Greg Alexander: “Stephen Crichton to me still looks injured,” while Walters added: “He’s still lame.”
The Broncos were missing Reece Walsh, Jesse Arthars, Ben Hunt, Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Corey Jensen.
Cooper Cronk said the Bulldogs would be hoping to get more out of hooker Bailey Hayward and lock Jaeman Salmon.
“Bailey Hayward is a good little player, I think he is part of their spine,” Cronk said.
“They just need him running and and be a bit more creative because at the moment Salmon is that guy who plays through the middle. Sometimes he gets it right, sometimes he gets it wrong.”
Crichton was put on report for tripping Xavier Willison late in the game.
