Broncos v Roosters preview

Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters
Suncorp Stadium - Friday 7:35pm

Brisbane have named an unchanged side from the one that defeated the Titans last weekend, although that team has been rocked by injury in recent weeks. Justin Hodges (hamstring), Jordan Kahu (hamstring) and Adam Blair (cork) all remain unavailable through injury.

The Roosters don't have the same injury concerns, apart from one forced change from last weekend. Aidan Guerra is out for the next six weeks after breaking his jaw, with Mitch Aubusson named in his place. Jared Warea Hargreaves will return this weekend though in a boost for the Sydney side.

The Broncos will be looking to prove that they are contenders in 2015. So far, they are sitting pretty at the top of the table on 8 points, however many critics are quick to point out their perceived easy run. Brisbane's four wins so far have been against the Sharks, Cowboys, Warriors and Titans. They were also handed a heavy loss in round one from the South Sydney Rabbitohs, so will be keen they deserve their spot at the top of the table.

The Roosters will be looking to regroup after last weekend's shock loss to the Sharks. Despite dropping games to the Rabbitohs and Sharks, I still consider the Roosters one of the powerhouses of the competition. A strong performance this week will go a long way towards steadying the ship.

Last meeting: Round 3 2014 - Brisbane Broncos 26 Sydney Roosters 30

Who to watch: Anthony Milford finally looks to be hitting some form, after starting very slowly this season. With Milford on one side, and Ben Hunt on the other, the Broncos have no lack of creativity and attacking flair. Although the combination is young, it is beginning to gel, and the Broncos are starting to find some slickness in attack off the back of it.

On the other hand, the Roosters have the well established combination of James Maloney and Mitchell Pearce. Both were pretty average in their last hitout, but have been otherwise consistent so far this year. On top of that, both have played Origin, and know how to perform when the pressure is on.

The battle between youth and experience should be a great one.

The favourite: The Roosters will start as slight favourites, but there is practically nothing in it.

My tip: Roosters by 2

1. Lachlan Maranta 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. Dale Copley 5. Daniel Vidot 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mitch Garbutt 16. Mitchell Dodds 17. Kodi Nikorima 18. Francis Molo

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 5. Nene Macdonald 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Matt McIlwrick 10. Sam Moa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. Willie Manu 15. Dylan Napa 16. Kane Evans 17. Siosiua Taukeiaho

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Shayne Hayne, Luke Patten;

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