Broncos v Knights preview

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Can the Knights cause upset of the season?

While it may not have been pretty to watch, Brisbane accounted for St. George Illawarra convincingly 26-0 last Thursday to remain atop the Premiership ladder. Hosting the Knights at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett will have his side prepared for an ambush as his former side travels interstate fresh off their first win of 2016. Once again the Broncos will field the same 17-man squad brimming with internationals, as they look to continue their impressive record against Newcastle, winning eight of the past ten clashes, including the past four in which they have scored at least 30 points per game.

Becoming the last team to register a win in 2016 last Sunday, Newcastle will be buoyed by their performance against the Tigers as they face off against the high-flying Broncos. Having held on for victory at home last week, the Knights will need to improve dramatically if they are to challenge the competition leaders, however coach Nathan Brown has instilled a sense of belied in his players that will ensure they remain competitive throughout the match. After missing last week through concussion, Sione Mata'utia returns in the centres at the expense of Jaelen Feeney in an otherwise unchanged line-up. Co-Captain Jeremy Smith will need to pass a fitness test late in the week to take the field in his 200th NRL Game, while fellow forward Jack Stockwell will also celebrate a personal milestone by playing his 50th Game.

Last meeting: Round 16 2015 - Broncos 44 Knights 22

Who to watch: After a less than stellar exit from the Knights two years ago, Darius Boyd will be out to heap further pain on his former club with another starring performance from the back. Producing his best start to a season since 2010, Boyd has reaped the rewards of a full pre-season after missing the opening third of last year through injury. Touted as a potential replacement for Billy Slater in representative sides, Boyd will be looking for a big game on Saturday to secure his place for the Kangaroos, while ensuring Brisbane remain at the top of the NRL table.

Having crossed for two tries in as many weeks for the Knights, Korbin Sims will be looking to continue his try-scoring against the high-flying Broncos. Transitioning to the second row alongside brother Tariq in recent weeks, the youngest Sims brother has added a new dimension to his game since transitioning to the edge and will be out to impress on Saturday night. Scoring a try in his past four meetings with Brisbane, Sims will be hoping for more of the same as Newcastle look to overturn recent history between the two rivals.

The favourite: Coming up against a developing side such as Newcastle, the Broncos are expected to easily account for the Knights at home.

My tip: The Broncos will need to be wary of Newcastle despite their standing; however the home side should come away with a healthy win. Broncos by 16.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Sam Thaiday 16. Jo Ofanhengaue 17. Kodi Nikorima

1. Dane Gagai 2. Nathan Ross 3. Sione Mata'utia 4. Pat Mata'utia 5. Akuila Uate 6. Jarrod Mullen 7. Trent Hodkinson 8. Sam Mataora 9. Tyler Randell 10. Jack Stockwell 11. Tariq Sims 12. Korbin Sims 18. David Bhana
Interchange: 15. Daniel Saifiti 16. Jacob Saifiti 17. Pauli Pauli 20. Josh King

Referees: Gavin Reynolds, Chris Sutton; Sideline Officials: Russell Turner, Belinda Sleeman; Video Referees: Jason Robinson, Ben Galea, Bernard Sutton;