The Stats Zone
May 17 2018, 12:34 · Tom

2018 NRL – Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Friday 18th May, 10:55 (UK)

Where? Suncorp Stadium

What channel is it on? UK - Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters will not be televised live in the UK. Australia - Nine Network, Foxtel, LIVE PASS

Where can I stream the match? UK - N/A Australia - https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-...

Are tickets still available? http://premier.ticketek.com.au...

THE STATISTICS

THE LOWDOWN

BRONCOS

Head Coach: Wayne Bennett

Starting 13: Boyd, Oates, Roberts, Opacic, Isaako, Milford, Nikorima, Lodge, McCullough, Thaiday, Glenn, Pangai Jnr, Su’A, Ofahengaue – Interchanges: Tagataese, Shibasaki, Sims, Mago – Reserves: Staggs, Murphy, Fai, Fifita

Unavailable: Andre Savelio, Jordan Kahu, Matt Gillett, Josh McGuire, Alex Glenn, Jack Bird, Payne Haas

  • Brisbane were well off the pace as they went down to Manly last week. Their inconsistent season was summed up in one game here as they were wasteful with the ball and allowed some soft tries in defence as the Sea Eagles condemned them to a 38-24 defeat.
  • Wayne Bennett has been hit by a triple injury blow as Alex Glenn, Jack Bird and Payne Haas are sidelined. Tom Opacic takes Bird’s place at centre with Tevita Pangai Jnr reverting to the second-row, Joe Ofahengaue starting at lock and Sam Tagataese coming onto the bench. Gehamat Shibasaki and Patrick Mago also come onto the bench for their NRL debuts.
  • Brisbane couldn’t stop Manly rolling up the field last week as the Sea Eagles made over 300 metres more than the Broncos off only nine more carries. Facing a Roosters side that produced a similar effort against the Warriors, the Broncos will need to front up this week.

ROOSTERS

Head Coach: Trent Robinson

Starting 13: Tedesco, Manu, Mitchell, Aubusson, Ferguson, Keary, Cronk, Taukeiaho, Friend, Napa, Cordner, Matterson, Liu – Interchanges: Waerea-Hargreaves, Tetevano, Baptiste, Radley – Reserves: Butcher, Tupouniua, Collins, Cornish

Unavailable: Daniel Tupou

  • Sydney Roosters produced their best display of the season as they nilled New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart last week. The Roosters’ ball movement was superb as they cut the Warriors to ribbons in a 0-32 win.
  • Nat Butcher is the unlucky man to miss out this week as Victor Radley comes straight back in on the bench having served a one-match ban last week.
  • Despite their inconsistent start to the season, the Roosters have produced some solid defensive displays and none more so than last week’s nilling of the Warriors. The Roosters are conceding an average of just 14 points per game which is the best record in the NRL.

THE PREDICTION

Things finally fell into place for the Roosters last week as they produced a brilliant all-round display to nil the Warriors. After a stern analysis of the Roosters pack from assistant coach Craig Fitzgibbon seemingly fired them up last week, the challenge will be to maintain it this week against a Broncos side missing several key men. Brisbane were poor last week and were deservedly beaten by Manly and with the Roosters looking for their third win on the trot, it could be a long night for the Broncos. Consistency hasn’t always been there for the Roosters this season but last week’s effort could be the catalyst for their season and they will collect another two points here.