SNAPSHOT OF THE BRISBANE BRONCOS-ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS ELIMINATION FINAL.
* Result: St George Illawarra 48 def Brisbane 18 at Suncorp Stadium.
* Key moment: Korbin Sims’ rush of blood, when he lifted Blake Lawrie dangerously in a tackle, triggered a flood of first half points for the visitors, particularly for his brother Tariq. The younger sibling scored from the set that followed Korbin’s brain explosion and then ran right over the top of him for his hat-trick and a decisive 26-10 lead.
* Key stat: The Dragons clocked up 485 post-contact metres and 52 tackle breaks, compared to the Broncos’ 377 and 33 as their promising batch of young forwards were given a lesson by the reignited St George pack. So impressive had they been late this season that Broncos fans had dreamed of a breakthrough premiership. But the absence of injured veterans Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn was never more stark than on Sunday.
* Judiciary watch: It won’t worry the Broncos but St George-bound Korbin Sims’ stint at his new club may be delayed after a dangerous tackle on future teammate Blake Lawrie. Matt Lodge may also have a case to answer for a high, swinging arm late in the game.
* Injuries: St George: Gareth Widdop (shoulder), James Graham (concussion); Brisbane: Joe Ofahengaue (concussion), David Fifita (ankle).
* What’s next? Back breathing fire after a two-month lull, the Dragons will face South Sydney on Saturday night for a spot in an NRL preliminary final. It is the end of the line for retiring Brisbane favourite Sam Thaiday, while the future of coach Wayne Bennett will also be up for discussion as the club dissects their early finals exit.