Even though we are not opposed to statistics per se, it seems as though there are times when the sports mathematicians stretch things a bit too far.
True, when Brisbane Broncos winger Jordan Kahu scored the opening try of the 2017 NRL Telstra Premiership in the eighth minute of inaugural game of the season against the Cronulla Sharks, he matched his feat of doing the same thing last season, with the exception that on that occasion, it was the Parramatta Eels.
The achievement is notable mainly for its singularity, not to in any way disparage Kahu’s abilities, having last occurred 108 years ago.
Of perhaps more significance, not a lot more, was that Kahu’s four-pointer was the 3000th try in the Broncos’ 28-year existence in the NRL.
Expectations for the Broncos will now be high, since they beat the defending premier Sharks in front of the Sharks supporters in Sothern Cross Group Stadium. They made it look relatively easy, building a 20 – 6 lead early in the second half.
The Sharks did not go quietly into that good night, however, scoring back-to-back tries to narrow the margin to six points, but when Broncos’ five-eighth Anthony Milford scored his try in the 70th minute to wrap the game up for the Broncos.