Panthers v Broncos preview
52 mins ago | Rhys Sullivan
Rick Edgerton takes a look at some of the key positional battles in Friday's clash between Australia and New Zealand at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle.
PAUL GALLEN v JESSE BROMWICH
Old school forward taking on the modern day prototype.
Not assured of a return to the International arena, Sharks and Blues skipper Paul Gallen turned in a couple of vintage showings in the weeks leading up to selection in a direct message to Coach Mal Meninga that his passion for the green and gold jersey burns as bright as ever. Still charging into defensive lines without a hint of fear and will go a long way to halting a dominant looking New Zealand forward pack in defence. In his last year of representative footy, the 31 Test veteran will be leaving no stone unturned in his bid to help the Aussies regain their number one mantle.
Big, Strong, smart & skilful…Storm bookend Jesse Bromwich is the modern day front-rower sitting on top of the tree. With his big motor, Bromwich often plays big minutes, laying a solid platform for whichever team he plays for with his strength and footwork before the line ensuring he almost always lands on his belly and gets a quick play the ball. Aside from his go forward, Bromwich has the ability to use the football with 7 line-break assists and 3 try assists this year and leads the NRL for offloads with 23.
WHO HAS THE EDGE? It's hard to go past a fired up Gallen who will be approaching this as possibly his last Test Match, but the skillset of Bromwich has the potential to break a game open and the honour of captaining his country for the first time could drive him to another level.
GREG INGLIS v SHAUN KENNY-DOWALL
The sleeping giant ready to awaken up against the tackle busting machine.
Many pundits have questioned the form and fitness of the great GI this year and rightly so. He's again looked hampered by his knee injury and his impact on games has been minimal compared to years gone by. In recent weeks, there has been encouraging signs though with the giant South Sydney custodian showing glimpses of the class and power that still lies within. Shifts to his familiar representative position in the centres which could prove the key. Covering less ground across the park, look for him to explode off fresher legs when the ball comes his way and don't be surprised to see him improve on his impressive record of 27 tries in 34 Tests.
A stalwart for New Zealand over the years with 17 caps to his name, Shaun Kenny-Dowall has been in outstanding form in the opening months of the NRL season. His strength and speed, along with his tall frame have always made SKD a handful for opposition defenders to wrap up, but this year he seems to be taking it to another level. Leading the NRL for tackle busts with 52, the Roosters outside back is the toughest man to bring to ground in the game this year. Look for Shaun Johnson to be sending the ball his way whenever his forwards gain some momentum.
WHO HAS THE EDGE? Beware the sleeping giant... A champion always lifts when his back's to the wall. Throw in all the old clichés, wrap them into one and Greg Inglis is set to unleash his big left fend and turn in a stormer on Friday night.
MATT GILLETT v MANU MA'U
No-nonsense back-rowers ready to make their mark on the International stage.
Two years on since his one and only appearance in the green and gold, Matt Gillett is ready to make a big impression this time round. The hard-nosed work horse has been in strong form for the Broncos this season and will patrol the right edge for the Aussies on Friday night. Runs good aggressive lines in attack which will make him a constant threat inside the Kiwis red zone. Leads the NRL for one on one tackles with 45 for the year, a skill which will come in handy marking up against the hard running Manu Ma'u.
Making his debut for New Zealand on Friday night, Eels back-rower Manu Ma'u could prove a lethal weapon. As far as no-nonsense footballers are concerned, few can compare to Ma'u. Hard and straight with the ball in hand, Ma'u has skittled more than a few defenders in his time and with the extra passion gained from pulling on the Kiwi jersey for the first time, could be set to explode. Just as dangerous without the ball in hand, Ma'u will also be on the lookout to rattle a green and gold ribcage or two come Friday night.
WHO HAS THE EDGE? Both play the game pretty simple with plenty of heart, but Gillett probably has a bit more football in him. His ability to change lines before the ball gets to him is an advantage and as the best one on one defender in the game, should be able to stem the impact of Ma'u.
MICHAEL MORGAN v KODI NIKORIMA
Two super-subs capable of turning the match on its head.
It's hard to recall a more rapid development than that of Cowboys pivot Michael Morgan in the past 12 months. Since been handed the number six jersey at North Queensland early last year, Morgan has gone from strength to strength. Forced his way onto the Maroons interchange as a utility in last year's successful Origin campaign and acquitted himself nicely. He then went on to play an integral part in the Cowboys premiership, including coming up with the clutch play in the dying stages of the Grand Final to send the game into extra time. On Friday night, he will achieve the final frontier in pulling on his National colours. Coming off the bench, he's sure to be a big threat with his strong running game likely to trouble a tiring Kiwi defence.
Bronco's super-sub Kodi Nikorima made his International debut on last year's tour of England filling in at halfback for the injured Shaun Johnson. Retains his spot within the squad for this Test Match playing a more familiar role as a utility off the bench. Has been developing nicely under the tutelage of Wayne Bennett again this year, earning himself more minutes on the park and has had an impact on a number of occasions. Quick around the ruck, he also possesses the skills of a natural ball-player and the Aussies A and B defenders will need to be on high alert when Nikorima hits the paddock.
WHO HAS THE EDGE? Whilst Morgan is the stronger ball runner, it's unclear when and in what position he'll get his first taste of action. Nikorima on the other hand is sure to get plenty of time at dummy-half. The timing of his entry into the contest will be crucial and will likely come when some of the Aussie middle forwards begin to tire.
COOPER CRONK v SHAUN JOHNSON
The cool conductor up against the electric attacking flair.
Now a veteran of 27 Test matches for Australia, Cooper Cronk is embarking on the final chapter of an outstanding career. When all's said and done, he will go down as one of the greatest organizers and game managers the game has seen. For now though, his main focus will be on returning the Kangaroos to the number one mantle ahead of a World Cup next year. The Storm general still possesses the best all-round kicking game in the league and he invariably comes up with the right play when his team needs it most. Somewhat underrated is his running game, with Cronk crossing the stripe himself six times this year. With the presence of Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson on Australia's right edge sure to attract plenty of attention, look for Cronk to slice through himself at some stage on Friday night.
5 tries, 8 try assists, 5 line-breaks and 22 tackle busts. Not bad stats for a player who many believe is struggling to recapture his best form returning from a broken ankle that ended his season prematurely last year. Such is the life of an attacking genius like Shaun Johnson who everyone will always be expecting the world from. Bear in mind, he's been playing in a struggling Warriors team who's forwards haven't laid the platform for Johnson to fully show his wares. Think back to last year when the critics were also questioning the livewire's form before he went on to play a starring role behind a dominant New Zealand forward pack.
WHO HAS THE EDGE? Shaun Johnson holds the keys to the outcome of this Test Match. There's no doubt Cronk will direct his troops around the park seamlessly and if it's tight will likely be the one to decide it. But if Johnson plays to his potential behind a Kiwi pack that will match the Aussies at the very least, the Kangaroos could be staring down the barrel of four straight losses within the blink of an eye