Broncos v Roosters preview - 2017 Round 6

v BYE at

Out-of-form high-flyers aiming to reverse fortunes ahead of Easter.

Circle this match on the calendar a few weeks back and you'd have thought these sides would be going hammer and tong for a spot at, or near, the top of the table. While the Roosters only have one defeat to their name, their loss to the Sea Eagles and form leading into that contest did raise some concern. Of particular note, the Tricolours have struggled to capitalise on strong starts - often getting out to cosy leads before being reeled back in by an eager opposition.

Brisbane meanwhile have been so close, yet so far on too many occasions this season. Last week they took a 7-0 lead into the break against a flailing Canterbury side only to be run down (and kept scoreless after the break) and lose by three. Prior to that the Broncos recorded a one-point win over the Raiders, coming off narrow losses to heavyweights North Queensland and Melbourne.

All told, it's vital the Broncos record a win to balance their win-loss record at 3-3, as a loss here has them 2-4 and facing a long road back if they want to be considered a serious contender in 2017. For the Roosters, they'll want to avoid giving the Storm too much of a head start at the top of the table, particularly considering the likelihood of both sides being decimated during the Origin period which is only 6 weeks away.

Last meeting: Round 26 2016 - Broncos 24 Roosters 14

Brisbane ended the Roosters' dismal 2016 campaign last year on their way to a two-week finals journey which ended at the hands of the Cowboys. The Tricolours' record at Lang Park is split evenly, having won 9 from 18 visits. Overall it's Brisbane who hold the balance of power since 1988 with 27 wins from 44 contests, including the 2000 Grand Final.

Who to watch: Korbin Sims copped a fair grilling for his defensive efforts in last week's loss to Canterbury. The former Knight has been a mainstay of the Broncos' forward pack since arriving during the pre-season. He and front-row partner Adam Blair will need to improve to give Brisbane's halves and talented backs a true platform to shine.

How handy is Mitch Aubusson? Fits in just about anywhere on the park but is so valuable in the second-row for the Bondi boys. He helped tear the Bulldogs apart back in Round 2 and sits only behind Jake Friend in tackles made at the club this season. 'Aubo' will be keen to make his mark on this one.

The favourite: Home ground advantage and a last-start Roosters loss sees Brisbane better backed in this one.

My tip: The Roosters should do enough here to come away with the victory - Brisbane will only win if they can find a landslide of points in the second half. Roosters by 4.

1. Darius Boyd 20. David Mead 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 16. Herman Essese 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 14. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 8. Korbin Sims 11. Sam Thaiday 15. Tevita Pangai 18. Kodi Nikorima

1. Michael Gordon 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Blake Ferguson 5. Shaun Kenny-Dowall 6. Luke Keary 7. Mitchell Pearce 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Isaac Liu 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Aidan Guerra 14. Kane Evans 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Ryan Matterson 17. Connor Watson

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Alan Shortall; Sideline Officials: Ricky MacFarlane, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;