Coates praises Broncos

PAPUA New Guinea-born Broncos winger Xavier Coates hailed Brisbane’s resilience as they snatched their second National Rugby League win of 2021 with a 36-28 victory against Gold Coast on Friday.
Down 0-22 after 14 minutes at Suncorp Stadium, the Broncos scored four tries in 20 minutes to level the scores at halftime.
After the break, the 15th-placed hosts added another two tries to condemn the Titans to their fifth loss of the season.
“It was unreal to come out and get the win,” the 20-year-old told Broncos TV after the round-eight clash.
“Up in Darwin (in our 6-46 defeat by the Parramatta Eels in round seven), we didn’t showcase what we’re all about at the Broncos.
“But it was good to know that we were resilient (against the Titans) in front of our fans at Suncorp.
“To be able to get the win in front of them is unreal.”
Coates said they stuck to their structures despite the 14-minute capitulation after kick-off.
“Obviously, it wasn’t a good start,” he said.
“But the main point we got across to the team was to get our middle forwards working up the field and execute off the back of that.
“I think we did that at the back end of the first half and throughout the second half.”
The Currumbin Eagles junior said the win would build confidence in the Kevin Walters-coached side.
“Obviously, every game is important,” he said.
“You never want to lose.
“It’s only our second win, so it has been a rocky start to the season.
“But it’s good to get the win.
“We’ll sock it up and re-focus for our next match.”
The Broncos face the 12th-placed Cowboys away at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Saturday (7.35pm kick-off).