The Sydney Roosters have flexed their muscle with a 36-4 flogging of Brisbane, which will raise questions about the Broncos' much-vaunted young pack and new coach Anthony Seibold.
The Roosters were dominant from start to finish in a seven tries to one thumping, as they recorded their first win at the SCG since 1999 and their biggest over the Broncos.
Even without injured enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (ribs) and hooker Jake Friend (shoulder), the premiers bullied the Broncos, who only had themselves to blame after repeatedly turning the ball over.
Coming into the match, all eyes were on Broncos star Tevita Pangai Jr, who was said to be in the Tri-Colours' recruitment plans as he prepares to come off contract next year.
However, he gave a reminder of the deficiencies in his game after he was put on report for a late hit on Cooper Cronk that was labelled a "dog shot" by Immortal Andrew Johns.
"It's a dog shot, an absolute cheap shot. It's so dangerous, someone is going to get really seriously injured," Johns said on the Nine Network commentary.
Cronk was playing his first game back after a two-week lay off with a hamstring injury and came off the field in the 53rd minute with a back problem after a heavy collision while trying to tackle Corey Oates.
Cronk later said he was not injured and would definitely be fit to take on Cronulla next week.
The Roosters put the icing on the cake with a scintillating Joey Manu try in the 78th minute, when the ball was kicked three times and went through eight pairs of hands.
The Roosters had 71 per cent of the ball in the first half and that weight of possession told in the end, as the Roosters forwards, led by Sio Siua Taukeiaho (211 metres), dominated.
The Roosters opened up a 22-0 lead at halftime with most of their points coming directly off Broncos errors.
After Jamayne Isaako was bundled into touch close to his own line, Angus Crichton powered over Anthony Milforrd to make it 10-0.
Jack Bird bombed a rare golden opportunity late in the first half and the Roosters then ran downfield and Daniel Tupou outleapt everyone to score.
Matt Gillett got the Broncos on the scoreboard in the 55th minute; however, the Roosters ran home with a wet sail, running in tries through James Tedesco, Mitchell Aubusson and Manu.
"From the 10th to the 30th minute I thought we were really in control of the game," Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
"We were carrying well, kicking into good positions, our defensive line was really disciplined and aggressive, and we moved the ball when we wanted to."
It leaves the Broncos at 1-3 and Seibold will now be feeling the heat after his side were pegged as premiership contenders.
Seibold described the result as a lesson but said it couldn't be put down to the youth of his side.
"Of course (it's not an excuse), mate, no way in the world, it doesn't matter how many young blokes you have in the team," Seibold said.
"If you're picked to do a job in the NRL, you've got to do your job. Tonight we were out-played."
