Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The NRL Match Review Committee has cleared Queensland State of Origin representatives Sam Walker, Lindsay Collins and Robert Toia to play after Friday night's clash between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos. The decision comes after the Roosters claimed a 24 to 18 victory at Suncorp Stadium, a result that left Brisbane's premiership defence and finals hopes hanging by a thread.
All three Queensland players were placed on report during the match but escaped suspension when the Match Review Committee released its findings on Saturday.
Walker, Collins and Toia each received financial penalties only, ensuring they remain available for upcoming fixtures.
The only player charged with a suspension was Roosters forward Nat Butcher, who received a Grade 2 Dangerous Contact charge. He faces a one match ban with an early guilty plea.
Broncos season on the brink
Brisbane's defeat extended its losing streak to seven matches, leaving the defending premiers with a 5 and 10 record.
The Broncos now likely need to win eight of their remaining nine games to qualify for the NRL finals, making their title defence increasingly unlikely.
Brisbane led 16 to 12 at halftime despite difficult wet weather conditions, but the Roosters controlled the second half through disciplined possession and field position.
Sam Walker scored the decisive try just after the hour mark to break a 16 all deadlock before later adding a penalty goal that pushed the visitors further ahead.
The Roosters improved to 10 and 5 for the season and remained inside the competition's top four.
Walker and Roosters stars deliver
Walker again proved influential, finishing with a try, two line breaks, two forced goal line drop outs and four successful conversions from five attempts.
Experienced teammates Daly Cherry Evans and James Tedesco also played key roles as the Roosters recovered from an error filled opening half.
According to Fox Sports Lab, the Roosters completed 19 of 21 sets after halftime while dominating territory, producing 45 tackles inside the attacking half compared with Brisbane's 12.
The victory marked the Roosters' fourth comeback win after trailing at halftime this season.
Duffy shines in difficult night for Brisbane
Despite the defeat, young halfback Tom Duffy emerged as one of Brisbane's standout performers.
With Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam unavailable through injury, Duffy impressed by scoring a first half try before setting up Brendan Piakura with a clever grubber kick.
He also produced several important defensive efforts, including a try saving tackle that denied Cherry Evans close to the line.
Payne Haas again worked tirelessly through the middle, while Delouise Hoeter, Deine Mariner and Grant Anderson also battled hard as Brisbane struggled to generate attacking cohesion.
Reece Walsh endured another frustrating evening as the Roosters limited his influence throughout the second half.
Key match statistics
The loss represented Brisbane's seventh consecutive defeat, the club's longest losing streak as defending premiers and its first run of seven straight losses in a single season since joining the competition.
The Roosters have now won three consecutive matches against the Broncos and five of the past six meetings between the clubs.
Sydney has scored at least 24 points in each of its 10 victories this season, while all five of its defeats have come when scoring fewer than 20 points.
