NRL TEAMS - 2024 Round 3
8 hours ago | LeagueUnlimited Media
Return of the Baby Broncos!
With six players away on representative duty, Brisbane will have their premiership mettle tested as they host a Wests Tigers outfit capable of anything. Coming off the back of an enthralling encounter against North Queensland, coach Wayne Bennett will be relying heavily upon the experience of Adam Blair, Alex Glenn and Andrew McCullough to ensure the Broncos tilt at the title stays on course. In a side containing five players with fewer than ten first grade games, including debutants Jaydn Su'a and Tevita Pangai, the Broncos will need to ensure a strong start or else they may find themselves under immense pressure unable to call upon their Queensland stars. Brisbane have dominated recent clashes between the two sides, coming away victorious in ten of the past eleven matches.
Coming from behind to secure a much-needed win over Newcastle last Saturday, the Tigers will be hoping to take advantage of the depleted Broncos. Without the services of skipper Aaron Woods and Robbie Farah, the Tigers will be hoping returning forward Sauaso Sue and former Manly rake Matt Ballin can rise to the occasion on Friday night. In the only other change from the side that prevailed 20-12 against the Knights, centre Kevin Naiqama returns to the centres in place of Michael Chee Kam. While the Tigers have struggled so far this season, the Origin period has traditionally seen the side come away with a number of significant scalps, including a demolition of South Sydney last season.
Last meeting: Round 19 2015 - Broncos 42 Tigers 16
Who to watch:Â Playing a leading role for Brisbane so far this season, halfback Ben Hunt will need to step up if the Broncos are to overcome the unpredictability of Wests on Friday. Without the experience of the likes of Darius Boyd and Corey Parker, Hunt will need to rise to the occasion and display the leadership qualities that has seen him represent Australia in the past. Yet to be defeated at Suncorp in 2016, the Broncos will be aware of challenges ahead of them, but with Hunt directing play expect Brisbane to lift.
Having made his debut at Suncorp Stadium as a 17-year-old a decade ago, Chris Lawrence will be out to show how far he has come by captaining the side on Friday night. Starting his career as a fleet-footed winger, Lawrence has developed into a dynamic back-rower under the tutelage of Jason Taylor and will be central in the Tigers effort to upset the understrength Broncos. While he may not have the blinding pace that saw him light up the NRL in his formative years, the Tigers veteran is still capable of making his mark on the competition with his running style sure to keep Brisbane honest.
The favourite: With Hunt and Milford directing play, Brisbane is expected to have the poise and flair to offset the loss of their representative forwards.
My tip: The Tigers have made a knack of upsetting big name opponents during the Origin period, but even without six of their stars, the Broncos should be too strong at home. Broncos by 12.
1. Jordan Kahu 2. Greg Eden 3. Jack Reed 4. James Roberts 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Jo Ofanhengaue 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Alex Glenn 12. Jaydn Sua 13. Jarrod Wallace
Interchange: 14. Jai Arrow 15. Herman Essese 16. Tevita Pangai Junior 17. Kodi Nikorima
1. Jordan Rankin 2. David Nofoaluma 3. Tim Simona 4. Kevin Naiqama 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Luke Brooks 8. Tim Grant 9. Dene Halatau 10. Ava Seumanufagai 11. Josh Aloiai 12. Chris Lawrence 13. Elijah Taylor
Interchange: 14. Sauaso Sue 15. Matt Ballin 16. Kyle Lovett 17. JJ Felise
Referees: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Badger; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Tim Roby; Video Referees: Ashley Klein, Steve Chiddy, Ben Galea