Match Details
Match Date	31st Aug, 2008
Opponent	Brisbane
Result	Loss 22-36
Coach	Steven Folkes
Captain	Andrew Ryan
Venue	Homebush (ANZ Stadium)
Crowd	7,685
Referee	Jared Maxwell

Unfortunately for the Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs there was no fairytale send off for coach Steve Folkes and hooker Corey Hughes as the Broncos spoiled the party with a 36-22 win at ANZ Stadium.

After 31 years of service as a player and a coach Steve Folkes coached his final game in front of a wet crowd all there to show their support.

The Broncos started off with repeat sets and almost posted a scrappy try in the opening minutes only for rookie Jamal Idris to dive on the loose ball.

In his 212th appearance and In his final game at the Club in front of the Bulldogs faithful, Corey Hughes opened the scores with his 26th first grade four-pointer in the 7th minute when he snuck over from dummy-half. El Masri made no mistake with the conversion and the Doggies lead 6-0.

Heka Nanai then became the Bulldogs leading try scorer for 2008 when he crossed for his 10th of the season, moving one ahead of centre Tim Winitana. The young winger latched onto an intercept before racing away to score and give the Bulldogs a surprising 12-0 lead after 17 minutes.

This match was more than just a chance for the Broncos to join the race for the top four. After the Cowboys 22-10 upset win over Canberra last night the Bulldogs were playing to avoid the wooden spoon - plenty of incentive for both teams.

The incentive of a top four finish seemed to be more important after the Broncos scored in the 20th minute through big Sam Thaiday, and when Corey Parker converted they trailed by just six.

What happened next shocked everyone at ANZ Stadium as Hazem El Masri reacted to a Justin Hodges' slap.

Before too long the scores were level and the football tipping community were beginning to breath easy as a firey Justin Hodges crashed over.

David Stagg then put the Broncos where many thought they would have been much earlier - in front. With five minutes remaining in the opening half Corey Parker converted and Brisbane led 18-12.

The Bulldogs were still in this one as they re-entered the playing arena for the second stanza but it was slowly getting away from them as the visitors scored their fourth try in a little over 20 minutes with Justin Hodges getting his second of the afternoon. Parker made no mistake with the kick and suddenly the Broncos were leading 24-12 just after halftime.

For the next 10 minutes the two sides traded blows before Heka Nanai increased his try tally to 11 as the wet crowd saw a small light at the end of a long and dark tunnel. El Masri failed from out wide and the margin remained at eight with the Broncos leading 24-16.

Nanai's second try was soon forgotten as Brisbane's Joel Moon posted their fifth try of the afternoon just three minutes later. Parker made if 5/5 with the boot and the scoreline 30-16.

As the clock ticked over the 70 minute mark the Broncos were in again with Thaiday joining Hodges and Nanai with doubles. Parker continued his 100% kicking rate for the afternoon and with just over five minutes remaining the visitors led by 20.

There was some late joy for the blue-and-whites with Jarrad Hickey scoring but it was all too late and after another promising start the Bulldogs ran out of puff with the Broncos winning 36-22.

Source: bulldogs.com.au

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