Josh Mercer previews the match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
FORM LINE
Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos were unable to make it three from three when the competition resumed last Thursday night, losing to the Eels 34-6. Only behind 12-6 at half time, Broncos captain Alex Glenn did not make it out for the second half, going to hospital to get a laceration on his leg stitched up. The Broncos did well not to let the game blow out to the extent of their semi-final match with the Eels last year; however, the Eels had the bulk of possession in the second half to run in four tries to seal the win.
Sydney Roosters
The Roosters notched their first win of the season, downing arch-rivals the Rabbitohs 28-12 (who were without Cody Walker and James Roberts). Highlighted by their defence, the Roosters showed glimpses of what they are capable of, with returning captain Boyd Cordner playing out of his skin after being rested in the first two rounds, and James Tedesco returning to form after being quiet in round one and two.
SQUAD NEWS
Brisbane Broncos
1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Jesse Arthars 4. Darius Boyd 5. Herbie Farnworth 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Ethan Bullemor 12. Jamil Hopoate 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tesi Niu 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Rhys Kennedy 17. Matt Lodge 18. Corey Paix 19. Xavier Coates 20. Tom Dearden 21. Pride Petterson-Robati.
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Luke Keary 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargraves 9. Jake Friend 10. Lindsey Collins 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley 14. Sam Verrills 15. Isaac Liu 16. Nat Butcher 17. Sitili Tupouniua 18. Siosiua Taukeiaho 19. Mitchell Aubusson 20. Ryan Hall 21. Lachlan Lam.
KEY STAT
The Roosters have not won at Suncorp Stadium since 2014, when they defeated the Broncos 30-26.
BATTLE TO WATCH
Jared Waera-Hargraves v Payne Haas
The battle between front-rowers Jared Waera-Hargraves and Payne Haas will be worth watching. The Broncos will be without captain Alex Glenn, so Haas will need to lead from the front to give his side a chance. Never one to take a backwards step, Waerea-Hargraves will look to dominate an inexperienced Broncos pack.
GAME DETAILS
The Roosters will be keen to keep their momentum going with a win and there is probably no better time to beat the Broncos than right now. The Broncos are vulnerable, especially without Alex Glenn and gun centre Kotoni Staggs. Experienced players such as Anthony Milford, Darius Boyd, Payne Haas and Matt Lodge will need to lead their young side if they are to notch their third win of the season. Patience will be the key for the Roosters. At times in their win against the Rabbitohs they sometimes pushed passes or kicked early in the tackle count when they didn’t need to.
Roosters by six.
Date: Thursday June 4.
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
Kick-off: 7:50pm.
