Roosters coach Trent Robinson called some aspects of the performance “not up to NRL standard” as a mature display from Titans halfback Jayden Campbell and a powerhouse bench effort from David Fifita got the job done in a 30-12 win for the Queenslanders.
It means the Roosters have conceded 126 points through their first four games, their worst defensive display since the 2016 season when they finished second-last.
Robinson’s side completed at just 59 per cent and made 15 errors and will have to find form quickly given they play arch rivals South Sydney next week.
“If it was high 50 (completion rate), that’s not NRL standard,” Robinson said.
“Pressure is a big part of the way that the NRL is played and when you build none you won’t get those decision-making errors out of the opposition.”
Unheralded Shibaski Broncos’ derby hero
Brisbane have a galaxy of stars at their disposal but it was journeyman centre Gehamat Shibasaki who stood tallest in Friday night’s 20-12 win over the Dolphins.
Shibasaki has been a surprise packet for the Broncos this season after joining the club on a train-and-trial deal over the summer and his form through three matches was strong enough to retain his starting spot over young gun Deine Mariner for the latest Battle of Brisbane.
But few would have expected what Shibasaki produced against the Dolphins as the 26-year old scored two tries and ran for 174 metres in the best display of his NRL career to claim the Battle Medal as best on ground.
It was a long road to such glory for Shibasaki – after coming through the grades at Brisbane, he’s since spent time at Newcastle, North Queensland and South Sydney, as well as a brief stint in Japanese rugby, before he joined Brisbane at the beginning of the pre-season.
Coach Michael Maguire was full of praise for Shibasaki’s professionalism and work ethic and predicted the best was yet to come for the reborn flyer.
“Day one (of pre-season), I wasn’t quite sure. I sat down with him and you could hear what he wanted to do,” said Maguire.
“He got himself in shape to play at this level. He really committed.
“He left his family up north (in Townsville) and he wanted to take the opportunity.
“He’s been around a lot of the boys in the past and he probably wanted to be a part of it.”
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