Round 20: Broncos v Storm preview
Resurgent Broncos look to test themselves against competition front-runners
Hosting the ladder leaders at Suncorp Stadium in a season-defining clash, the Brisbane Broncos will be out to keep their finals hopes alive against the Melbourne Storm on Friday evening.
Staring down the prospect of battling to avoid the wooden spoon a month ago, the Broncos have struck a rich vein of form with three wins and a draw from their past four clashes to move inside the top eight for only the second time this season.
Accounting for the Titans with ease, 34-12, last Saturday, coach Anthony Seibold will be eager to gauge how far his side has progressed since facing Melbourne on the opening night of the season, as he strives to orchestrate a rare win over the Storm in the years following the two team's most famous clash.
Managing four wins from 27 meetings since their upset win in the 2006 grand final, only two current Brisbane players have tasted victory over Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium - Andrew McCullough and Alex Glenn - with Glenn featuring in just his second first grade game a decade ago.
Boosted by the inclusion of Matt Gillett for his first appearance in a month, rookie forward Thomas Flegler will start at lock in place of suspended forward Tevita Pangai Jr, while emerging halfback Tom Dearden may be a late inclusion after being named on the extended bench.
Remaining in first place despite suffering their third loss of the season, the Melbourne Storm will look to all but assure their fourth minor premiership this decade with a win on Friday night.
Going down to the Sea Eagles 11-10 in golden point last Saturday, coach Craig Bellamy will be wary of the threat posed by the Broncos, despite holding an unbeaten record against the Queensland powerhouse club over the past six clashes.
Enjoying a golden run at Suncorp Stadium with 11 wins from 12 appearances this decade, recent history alludes to another high-scoring affair on Friday night with the Storm posting a combined total of 124-38 in their past three clashes against Brisbane at the home of Queensland Rugby League.
After missing last week through suspension, Fijian flyer Suliasi Vunivalu returns in place of Sandor Earl in the only change from the team beaten by Manly at AAMI Park.
Last meeting: Round 1 2019 - Storm 22 Broncos 12
Who to watch: Making the most of Anthony Seibold's roster overhaul to establish himself as a starting centre, Kotoni Staggs will be intent on making an impact against the competition leaders. Going from strength to strength with appearance for the Indigenous All Stars and Tonga earlier this year, the 22-year-old Wellington Cowboys junior has been a consistent performer for the Broncos after being elevated into the starting side following Jack Bird's season-ending injury and James Roberts' departure to South Sydney. Posting four tries in his past two appearances, look for Staggs to cause his opposing centre, Justin Olam, plenty of trouble as the Broncos strive to pull off one of the upsets of the season.
In almost any other team Brandon Smith would be a starting player given his reputation. Gaining five caps for New Zealand and playing in a grand final with less than 50 first grade games to his name, the 23-year-old Waiheke Rams junior has consistently proven himself to be a player of immense talent. Forced to bide his time on the bench due to the presence of his namesake, Smith has made the most of his predicament to become one of the most valuable impact players in the game today. Scoring a crucial try to level the scores last week, expect the robust hooker-cum-lock to lift Melbourne's intensity when introduced into the action on Friday evening.
The favourite: Despite going down at home last Saturday, the Storm are expected to bounce back on the road.
My tip: Staring down the prospect of recording consecutive losses for the first time in twelve months, look for the Storm to respond with a performance indicative of the difference in class between the two sides. Storm by 16.
