Josh Mercer previews the round 22 clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Date: 13/8, Time: 8:05 pm
Brisbane Broncos
1. Tesi Niu
2. Corey Oates
3. Selwyn Cobbo
4. Herbie Farnworth
5. Xavier Coates
6. Tyson Gamble
7. Albert Kelly
8. Thomas Flegler
9. Danny Levi
10. Payne Haas
11. Alex Glenn
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Xavier Willison
15. Rhys Kennedy
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. TC Robati
18. Cory Paix
19. Anthony Milford
20. Brendan Piakura
21. David Mead
Team Changes
IN: Anthony Milford, Brendan Piakura, Cory Paix, David Mead, Selwyn Cobbo, Thomas Flegler, Xavier Coates.
OUT: Brodie Croft, Jamayne Isaako, Jesse Arthars, Keenan Palasia.
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Adam Keighran
4. Joseph Manu
5. Dale Copley
6. Drew Hutchison
7. Sam Walker
8. Isaac Liu
9. Sam Verrills
10. Siosiua Taukeiaho
11. Nat Butcher
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Lachlan Lam
15. Egan Butcher
16. Fletcher Baker
17. Naufahu Whyte
18. Ben Marschke
19. Tuku Hau Tapuha
20. Brad Abbey
21. Ben Thomas
Team Changes
IN: Ben Marschke, Ben Thomas, Brad Abbey, Naufahu Whyte, Tuku Hau Tapuha.
OUT: Angus Crichton, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.
Referee: Ashley Klein.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Brisbane Broncos
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Broncos got off to a good start against the Knights, leading 8-6 early in the first half after tries to Tesi Niu and Corey Oates, while Jake Clifford scored the Knights try. While it was looking like the Broncos could win, the Knights scored the next three tries. The Broncos mounted a comeback with tries to Xavier Willison and Herbie Farnsworth, however, it wasn’t enough and went down in the end 28-20.
Sydney Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesA win for the Roosters would have seen them move into the top four, however, it wasn’t to be as they lost to the Panthers won 20-14. The Panther returned to their entertaining brand of football with Matt Burton scoring a long-range try to open the scoring. The Roosters levelled the score when Victor Radley ran off a Sam Verrills’ pass untouched. After kicking a penalty goal to lead by two, the Panthers extended their lead with a try to Paul Momirovski and then a second for Burton. The Roosters hit back with Tries to Joey Manu and Daniel Tupou, the comeback fell short as the Panthers did enough to get the victory.
PREVIEW
While it might not seem like it, this is actually a game the Roosters may lose if they don’t show up. That’s what happened in round 11 this year when the Broncos won 34-16. This time around, they have more injuries and will be without the services of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Angus Crichton, so there is a real possibility it could happen. Trent Robinson will need to have his men ready to go for them to win. Isaac Liu, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Victor Radley will need to lead the way for the Roosters in the absence of Waerea-Hargreaves and Crichton.
The Broncos would be confident heading into this game given they have already beaten the Roosters this season, as well as how they played against the Knights last weekend. Tyson Gamble has been in good form, and along with Tesi Niu, they have given the Broncos some spark in the backs. If these two play well, another upset could be on the cards.
KEY STAT
The Broncos still lead the head to head battle between these two teams with 23 wins, while the Roosters only have 20 wins against the Broncos in the NRL era.
PREDICTION
Roosters by 14.
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