Josh Mercer previews the Round 11 clash between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos. This is what we have to look forward to.
Embed from Getty ImagesTEAM NEWS
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Date: Saturday, May 22, Time: 5:30pm
Roosters Team
1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Josh Morris
4. Joseph Manu
5. Matt Ikuvalu
6. Lachlan Lam
7. Sam Walker
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
9. Benjamin Marschke
10. Isaac Liu
11. Angus Crichton
12. Sitili Tupouniua
13. Victor Radley
14. Adam Keighran
15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita
16. Nat Butcher
17. Siosiua Taukeiaho
18. Naufahu Whyte
19. Fletcher Baker
20. Egan Butcher
21. Joseph Suaalii
Team Changes
IN: Egan Butcher, Fletcher Baker, Naufahu Whyte.
OUT:
Broncos Team
1. Jamayne Isaako
2. Xavier Coates
3. Herbie Farnworth
4. Jesse Arthars
5. David Mead
6. Albert Kelly
7. Tyson Gamble
8. Matt Lodge
9. Jake Turpin
10. Payne Haas
11. Keenan Palasia
12. Tevita Pangai Junior
13. Thomas Flegler
14. Kobe Hetherington
15. John Asiata
16. Ethan Bullemor
17. Rhys Kennedy
18. TC Robati
19. Dale Copley
20. Brendan Piakura
21. Danny Levi
Team Changes
IN: Albert Kelly, Brendan Piakura, Dale Copley, David Mead, Kobe Hetherington, TC Robati.
OUT: Anthony Milford, Corey Oates, Jordan Riki.
Referee: Peter Gough
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Roosters
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Roosters came away from Magic Round winners against the Cowboys 20-16. However, they didn’t have it all their own way. They found themselves up 18-nil after 31 minutes and really should have put a much bigger score on, but they allowed the Cowboys back in the game. There were some standout moments like Daniel Tupou’s first try of the game and Tedesco’s break to set up Angus Crichton’s try.
Broncos
Embed from Getty ImagesNot much can be said about the Broncos performance last week; they looked very ordinary in the 50-6 loss to the Sea Eagles. They let Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans run riot and didn’t have any answers for it. The lone highlight for the Broncos was Jamayne Isaako’s solo try.
PREVIEW
After last weeks big loss, Broncos coach Kevin Walters has made some changes. He has once again dropped Anthony Milford, replacing him Albert Kelly. The former Titan should bring some more spark to the Broncos attack, and combine well with fullback Jamayne Isaako. They will need something new if they are going to turn things around and start winning; hopefully Kelly will bring that to the Broncos.
The Roosters looked good in patches against the Cowboys, but if they are to hang in with the Panthers, Storm and Eels, they need to put it together for 80 minutes. They do have a massive injury list, but it needs to stop being an excuse now unless of course, they get more injuries. While this isn’t a danger game for the Roosters, they still need to play well to stay in touch with the top four.
KEY STAT
Since 1998 these teams have played 42 times and the Broncos lead by two (22-20).
PREDICTION
Roosters by 18.
Follow Nothing But League on Twitter and Facebook.
Join our NRL Writing Team. Check out the details here.
