The Brisbane Broncos are going to be looking to bounce back from a big loss as they take on the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Broncos
The Broncos had managed to scrape together some narrow wins against the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs in previous weeks. However their luck ran out against Manly and were trounced 34-20. The loss was compounded by injuries to Alex Glenn and Payne Haas, adding to an already extensive casualty ward.
Roosters
The Roosters put in their best performance of the year against the Warriors, recording a commanding 32-0 victory. After scoring just 5 tries in the previous 3 rounds, the Roosters matched that tally in the one game. It remains to be seen whether they can stay consistent and back it up this round.
SQUAD NEWS
Broncos
Jack Bird has been ruled out due to a recurring sternum injury, joining Glenn and Haas on the sidelines. A massive re-shuffle sees Tom Opacic in the centres, Tevita Pangai Jr in the back-row and Joe Ofahengaue starting at Lock.
Sam Tagatese and Patrick Mago come onto the bench along with a first grade debutant in Kotoni Staggs as the utility.
Roosters
Victor Radley returns from suspension and replaces Nat Butcher on the bench in the only change to the Roosters 17 for the week.
PREVIEW
Key Players
Latrell Mitchell against James Roberts.
Roberts was flat out embarrassed the last time Mitchell and he crossed paths on the field. In the 2017 qualifying final, the young Roosters centre bowled him over on the way to score the winning try. He’ll be out to have a strong performance to gain some revenge and push his case for a centre spot for NSW.
Mitchell is going to have the same objective in mind. As he charges into defenders with that big fend, he could be giving the state of Queensland a sneak preview of what he could do in the Origin arena. Containing his influence is going to be high on the Broncos agenda.
The sudden announcement of Cameron Smith’s rep retirement has also set up a Maroons showdown between Andrew McCullough and Jake Friend. Whilst Friend’s form has been below his best for a number of seasons, a battle against the man likely to be QLD’s new No.9 may just put a little extra spark into his performance.
KEY STAT
The last 8 meetings between the two sides have been split at 4-apiece.
SQUADS
Broncos
1 Darius Boyd ยฉ
2 Corey Oates
3 James Roberts
4 Tom Opacic
5 Jamayne Isaako
6 Anthony Milford
7 Kodi Nikorima
8 Matthew Lodge
9 Andrew McCullough
10 Sam Thaiday
11 Tevita Pangai jnr
12 Jaydn Su’A
13 Joe Ofahengaue
Interchange:
14 Sam Tagataese
16 Korbin Sims
17 Patrick Mago
18 Kotoni Staggs
Reserves:
15 Gehamat Shibasaki
19 Todd Murphy
Roosters
1 James Tedesco
2 Joseph Manu
3 Latrell Mitchell
4 Mitchell Aubusson
5 Blake Ferguson
6 Luke Keary
7 Cooper Cronk
8 Sio Siua Taukeiaho
9 Jake Friend ยฉ
10 Dylan Napa
11 Boyd Cordner ยฉ
12 Ryan Matterson
13 Isaac Liu
Interchange:
14 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
15 Zane Tetevano
16 Kurt Baptiste
17 Victor Radley
Reserves:
18 Nat Butcher
19 Sitili Tupouniua
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Friday 18th May
Venue: Lang Park
Kick-off: 7:55pm
WHO WILL WIN?
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