Reed returns in style as Broncos outmuscle Warriors
New Zealand Warriors impressed in the first half against Brisbane Broncos, but were ultimately well beaten as their losing streak continued.
Jack Reed wasted little time on making an impact on his return from a shoulder reconstruction as Brisbane Broncos extended New Zealand Warriors' losing streak in the NRL with a 25-10 victory at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
Back in action earlier than many had anticipated, England international Reed claimed Brisbane's second try in a tightly contested first half that ended with the hosts two points to the good.
Last year's beaten Grand Finalists then overpowered their visitors after the interval, running in further scores through Darius Boyd and Matt Gillett, although there was a concern for the Broncos when winger Corey Oates injured his left shoulder in the closing stages.
Oates claimed the game's first try with a fine diving finish in the left corner, after Corey Parker had taken an early two-pointer.
The Warriors, who have now lost 10 games in succession including their opening two matches in 2016, responded strongly and claimed a deserved lead when Issac Luke's first try for the club was added to by a conversion and a penalty from Shaun Johnson.
However, an individual effort from Reed, which saw the centre dummy through a gap from 45 metres out, restored the Broncos' advantage and the second half proved largely one-sided in the main, Boyd and Gillett each going over as the Warriors wilted.
Oates' late withdrawal did provide one headache for Brisbane, who duly extended their lead as Anthony Milford split the posts with a drop goal and then a penalty.