Chloe Schibeci previews the Brisbane Broncos’ important match against the Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium.
TEAM FORM GUIDE
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are desperate for a victory after having an unexpectedly slow start to the year, winning just one from six to begin the season. They were defeated in a tight match against the Raiders last weekend, losing by just four points.
Cronulla Sharks
The Cronulla Sharks have not had an ideal start to the season, suffering plenty of injuries to key players. They have won three from six matches to begin the season, including a crucial game against the Penrith Panthers last Thursday night.
SQUAD NEWS
Brisbane Broncos
Tevita Pangai Junior returns from suspension, while Thomas Flegler is moved to the bench. James Roberts returns from injury, being named to start in the centres.
Broncos Squad: 1. Darius Boyd, 2. Corey Oates, 3. James Roberts, 4. Jack Bird, 5. Jamayne Isaako, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Kodi Nikorima, 8. Payne Haas, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Joe Ofahengaue, 11. Alex Glenn, 12. Matt Gillett, 13. Tevita Pangai Junior, 14. Kotoni Staggs, 15. David Fifita, 16. Thomas Flegler, 17. Patrick Carrigan, 18. Jaydn Su’A, 19. Gehamat Shibasaki, 20. Tom Dearden, 21. Matthew Lodge
Cronulla Sharks
Scott Sorensen will take the place of Briton Nikora who faces a one-match suspension after a lifting tackle in the match against the Penrith Panthers.
Sharks Squad: 1. Will Kennedy, 2. Sosaia Feki, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Josh Morris, 5. Josh Dugan, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Chad Townsend, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Jayden Brailey, 10. Matt Prior, 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Paul Gallen, 14. Blayke Brailey, 15. Jayson Bukuya, 16. Jack Williams, 17. Braden Hamlin-Uele, 18. Ronaldo Mulitalo, 19. Kyle Flanagan, 20. Sione Katoa, 21. Billy Magoulias
HEAD TO HEAD
The Brisbane Broncos are dominant in the history between these two clubs, winning 7 from their last 11 matches against the Sharks, including the last four. The last time these two sides met was in round 20 of the 2018 season, where the Broncos won by just two points.
The Sharks will be looking for a win against Brisbane after not having won a match against the Broncos since 2016, their Premiership winning season. The Broncos will be desperate to win their second game of the season in an attempt to gain momentum for the rest of the season.
KEY BATTLE
A win is important for both clubs, particularly for the Brisbane Broncos who have struggled in the opening six rounds. A key match-up is Anthony Milford versus Shaun Johnson. Both players are invaluable to their respective clubs and can be the difference in the outcome of a match. Johnson hasn’t been in his best form for the Sharks considering carrying an injury. Milford is one of Brisbane’s best and most valued players and can be dangerous to the opposition when he is at his best.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, April 27
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off: 7:35 PM
Referee: Henry Perenara, Tim Roby
WHO WILL WIN?
The combination of Brisbane’s winning record against Cronulla and the difficulty that comes with playing at Suncorp Stadium could cause trouble for the Sharks, however, the recent form of the Broncos could see the Sharks win in a tight match.
Sharks by two.
