Vale: Terry Hill
16 hours ago | National Rugby League
Roosters v Broncos preview
Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos
Allianz Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm 
Easily the match of the round, Saturday's clash pits the the top two sides in the competition against each other, as the Sydney Roosters host the Brisbane Broncos.
The Roosters have found form at the right end of the season, winning 12 of their last 13 games. Possibly counting against them as they head into this game is the fact that four of their last five games have been against sides at the bottom end of the ladder - their game against the Bulldogs in Round 21 their last match against a top 8 side.
The Broncos, who won 8 in a row mid-season, have faltered slightly in the past few weeks, with a big loss to the Sea Eagles in Round 21, and a tight loss to the Bulldogs in Round 22. The Brisbane side did get things back on track with a win against the Dragons last weekend though, and coach Wayne Bennett will definitely have his side up for this one.
For the Sydney side, Aidan Guerra successfully fought his shoulder charge at the judiciary, and will line up in jersey #12. The Roosters will welcome back Brendon Elliot to the wing, pushing Blake Ferguson into the centres, and Mitch Aubusson back to the interchange bench. Coach Trent Robinson has named an extended bench, with two to be omitted before play tomorrow.
For the Broncos, Justin Hodges returns from suspension, and will replace Dale Copley in the centres.
Last meeting: Round 6 2015 - Brisbane Broncos 22 Sydney Roosters 18
Who to watch: While Jared Warea-Hargreaves attracts most of the attention from the media for his performances, don't forget the input of Boyd Cordner in the Roosters' forward pack. Running for 150 metres last week, and making 33 tackles, Cordner provides a point of difference. Although he doesn't provide the sheer volume of tackle busts and offloads as Warea-Hargreaves, Cordner brings consistency, strong defence and great line running to the table.
The Roosters will need to keep an eye on Justin Hodges. Back in the side after a week off due to suspension, Hodges will be itching to get stuck in to the Roosters' outside men, and brings a sense of maturity and control to an otherwise young Broncos backline.
The favourite: The Roosters will start this game as favourites - likely half because they are the home side, and half because of their brilliant streak of wins over the last few months. The Broncos are shortening though, with punters piling on late in the week.
My tip: I can't go past the Roosters in this one. Although the Broncos will be keen to keep their lone position at the top of the table, the home crowd will buoy the Roosters to victory. Roosters by 2.
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Brendan Elliott 6. James Maloney 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Dylan Napa 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Aidan Guerra 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Jackson Hastings 15. Isaac Liu 16. Kane Evans 17. Mitchell Aubusson 18. Suaia Matagi 19. Latrell Mitchell
1. Darius Boyd 2. Lachlan Maranta 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Sam Thaiday 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Mitchell Dodds 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Jason Walsh; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten;