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Nick Markham | Rugbyleaguelive.com | 05/09/08 | 0
AUDIO - Karmichael Hunt: 'There was a lot of emotion' [Channel Nine]
Wayne Bennett's big farewell night was almost perfect and the departing coach liked what his players served up in the 24-2 win over Newcastle at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
Brisbane celebrated a big night in which Bennett and stalwart Tonie Carroll enjoyed their "farewell to the fans" and young fullback Karmichael Hunt became the game's youngest 100-game player with a magnificent performance.
"It was a great night," said Bennett who thanked the fans after Carroll missed his chance to kick his first and only NRL goal after the siren.
"It was important we played well and we did that which capped the night off for everybody.
"I really liked our patience, I liked the way we went about it tonight."
Hunt, who scored a key try just after half time, produced a wonderful piece of magic to grab a dangerous Jarrod Mullen chip kick and take off down field before being stopped by Newcastle forward Steve Simpson.
Simpson was put in the sin bin for the professional foul of holding Hunt down.
Broncos captain Darren Lockyer said Brisbane's defence had been "great" against a team who a week earlier had upset premiership favourites Melbourne with a running style of attack.
"Our defence was great," said Lockyer who copped a head knock early in the first half.
"We crossed the line three times, Denan Kemp was pushed out and Darius Boyd dropped the ball over the line.
"We knew if we held onto the footy and kept our defence how it was, we knew we would get some points."
Bennett was given a standing ovation by a large section of the 37,552 fans who turned out for the big night.
"The fans were wonderful, I've been blessed here with the fans for 21 years," said Bennett, no showing any emotion.
"It was great to have them cheering me off rather than booing me off."
Bennett said he appreciated his long-time rival Brian Smith seeking him out after the game to congratulate him on his achievements at the Broncos.
Brisbane will now play the Roosters in Sydney after they beat the Dragons 10-0 in Sydney, which Bennett said was not an issue.
"We don't have a great record if you look at our finals series at home," said Bennett.
"You can go back to '95 and '96 when we were supposed to win games and we lost them in Brisbane.
"Back as late as 2006 as well. I don't think anyone is too sad about going to Sydney to play."
Smith was critical of the referee Tony Archer's 60th minute decision to put Simpson in the bin.
"A month of Sunday's is the term that comes to mind," said Smith, implying players have not been binned all season for similar offences.
"It was a bit harsh, but so many things happened out there tonight I wouldn't want to start on one."
A disappointed Simpson felt he'd let his team down.
"I wish I'd let go a second earlier," he said.
"I thought it was a penalty and that a sin bin was a bit harsh.
"It was a bad way to let the boys down. I wish I hadn't done it."
Brisbane centre Justin Hodges started the game off the bench and finished with a shoulder injury.
BRISBANE 24 (D Boyd 2 B Hannant K Hunt J Moon tries C Parker 2 goals) bt NEWCASTLE 2 (K Gidley goal) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: T Archer. Crowd: 37,552.
I really liked our patience, I liked the way we went about it tonight
Wayne Bennett
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