Ciraldo ‘set to fume’: Bulldogs’ aspirations dashed by Broncos’ second-half try spree

Cameron Ciraldo will be seeking answers from his squad after the Bulldogs experienced a dramatic late-game surge from the Broncos.

The Bulldogs seemed to have the match under control when Josiah Karapani raced down the sideline, kick-starting an explosive try-scoring flurry for the visitors on Friday night.

In just 10 minutes, Delouise Hoeter and Billy Walters crossed the line, bringing the scoreline down to a nail-biting two-point game.

“The Bulldogs are looking pretty nervous,” commented Brad Fittler during the broadcast on Nine.

Errors began to take a toll on the home team, with a timing violation and a questionable tackle in the 31st minute significantly shifting the momentum of the match.

At this stage, the Bulldogs had completed eight out of their 15 sets for the half.

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However, it was a powerful try from Brendan Piakura that ultimately sealed the Bulldogs’ troubling fate.

“They’re celebrating like they’ve clinched the title,” said Nine commentator Mat Thompson at full-time.

“Cameron Ciraldo won’t be pleased with the second half,” Andrew Johns noted.

Earlier, the Bulldogs took the lead in the 13th minute thanks to Marcelo Montoya, before a chaotic try from Matt Burton left two rugby league legends in disbelief.

Lachlan Galvin attempted to make a quick pass to Connor Tracey on the final tackle, but the ball went astray, hitting the ground and bouncing towards a poised Montoya on the wing.

Collecting the ball, the Bulldogs winger surged towards the centre, where he was brought down. However, he managed to flick a perfect pass over his head to Viliame Kikau.

This remarkable effort was followed by a smooth shift to the left, enabling Matt Burton to kick towards goal and reset the Bulldogs’ lineup.

Yet, the Broncos’ defence faltered dramatically when two players failed to secure the ball, which landed right in front of Burton, who managed to ground it successfully.

“No way,” Johns exclaimed during the broadcast on Nine.

“They went on an entire journey before coming back to the same spot.”

A replay of the try sparked concerns from Johns about whether Burton’s hip was in touch, while Fittler expressed worries about a potential offside from a teammate before the playmaker made his kick.

“Do you reckon he would be so celebratory if he didn’t touch the ground?,” Fittler replied, questioning Johns.

“I’m just pondering whether Enari Tuala was in front of him when he kicked it?”

The try was upheld by the Bunker, although Burton was unable to convert his attempt.

Brisbane’s defensive strengths were tested again in the 32nd minute as Kikau charged over the line, increasing the home side’s advantage to 16-0 at half time.

The Broncos ultimately secured a 22-18 victory.