The Sydney Roosters will be looking to extend their winning streak in round four at the Sydney Cricket Ground when they play hosts to a determined Brisbane Broncos side.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Sydney Roosters
Coming off the back of a grinding, confidence-building victory against the Paramatta Eels in round three, the Roosters will be looking to carry their momentum into this clash with the Broncos. A victory on Thursday night would elevate the Roosters into the top four – sitting alongside the Melbourne Storm (first) and South Sydney Rabbitohs (second).
Brisbane Broncos
After a disappointing one point loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons last week, the Broncos will no doubt be determined to get themselves back in the winner’s circle with a victory over the reigning premiers. If the Broncos can replicate their round two performance in this clash, they will give themselves every opportunity to record their second win of the season.
SQUAD NEWS
Sydney Roosters
The return of halfback Cooper Cronk (hamstring) sees Luke Keary and Latrell Mitchell shift back to five-eighth and centre, respectively. With Jake Friend sidelined (shoulder), Victor Radley has been named to start at hooker and Lindsay Collins has been promoted to the interchange bench.
Sydney Roosters Squad: 1 James Tedesco, 2 Daniel Tupou, 3 Latrell Mitchell, 4 Joseph Manu, 5 Matt Ikuvalu, 6 Luke Keary, 7 Cooper Cronk, 15 Zane Tetevano, 9 Victor Radley, 10 Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11 Boyd Cordner, 12 Mitchell Aubusson, 13 Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14 Lindsay Collins, 16 Poasa Faamausili, 17 Angus Crichton, 18 Nat Butcher. Reserves: 19 Sitili Tupouniua, 20 Sam Verrills.
Brisbane Broncos
With forward Matt Lodge set to return from suspension, David Fifita has been relegated to the interchange bench. An injury to James Roberts has elevated Kotoni Staggs into the starting side, with Gehamat Shibasaki resultantly recalled.
Brisbane Broncos Squad: 1 Darius Boyd, 2 Corey Oates, 3 Kotoni Staggs, 4 Jack Bird, 5 Jamayne Isaako, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Kodi Nikorima, 8 Matthew Lodge, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Alex Glenn, 12 Matt Gillett, 13 Tevita Pangai Junior. Interchange: 14 Gehamat Shibasaki, 15 Jaydn Su’A, 16 Thomas Flegler, 17 David Fifita. Reserves: 18 Patrick Carrigan, 19 Shaun Fensom.
HEAD TO HEAD
For the Roosters to come over the top of the boys from Brisbane, it is imperative that they use their tenacity and strike power to turn the match into an arm wrestle. Getting out of the blocks early and capitalising on their attacking opportunities will be the best way for the Roosters to rattle the Broncos. Given the wealth of talent within the Broncos’ roster, it is vital that the entirety of the Roosters pack stays switched on for 80 minutes and eliminates any potential defensive lapses. From an attacking perspective, the performances of forwards Zane Tetevano and Siosiua Taukeiaho are very important. Their prolific try scoring backline will be only be given a license to roam if the middle-men make it their intent to dominate the ruck, make effective use of their footwork and create opportunities for offloads.
Off the back of a disappointing loss to the St George Illawarra Dragons, the Broncos will no doubt be determined to make amends with an impressive performance. Whilst the loss of electric centre James Roberts will make the Broncos’ trip south a little more difficult, the replacements – in Kotoni Staggs and Gehamat Shibasaki – will likely fill the void. To enhance their chances, it is important that Matthew Lodge, Matt Gillett and Tevita Pangai Junior make use of their opportunities to make valuable metres. Halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima, together with fullback Darius Boyd, have the potential to halt the Roosters’ winning streak if they use their experience and exploit their tiring centre field defence.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, April 4 2019
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground
Kick-off: 7:05pm (AEST)
WHO WILL WIN?
Whilst the Broncos will show plenty of fight, expect the Roosters to welcome back experienced campaigner Cooper Cronk in style.
