Round 11: Broncos v Storm preview
Battling Broncos take on lightning Storm
The Brisbane Broncos play the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night in a clash that sees two teams in very different places play off. Brisbane currently sit in third last position on the Telstra Premiership ladder, whilst Melbourne sit third overall. The Broncos have had a horrid season and another bad loss on Friday would see coach Anthony Seibold under immense pressure. Melbourne are expected to win, but traditionally this clash has plenty of passion.
The Broncos have named a number of changes from the side that was embarrassed 48-0 by the Wests Tigers last week. Anthony Milford starts at fullback with young Tesi Niu out with a wrist injury. Herbie Farnworth is on the wing after being out with a minor injury last week, replacing Jamayne Isaako. A big in for Brisbane with strike centre Kotoni Staggs returning from a hamstring injury. Brodie Croft starts at five-eighth, meaning Tom Dearden gets a shot at halfback. Thomas Flegler earns a starting role at prop, pushing Tevita Pangai Jr to the second row. Cory Paix starts at hooker, replacing veteran Isaac Luke. Joe Ofahengaue starts at second row as well, with Corey Oates being out with a fractured leg. Ben Te'o drops back to the bench. Tyson Gamble will make his debut off the bench and Rhys Kennedy comes onto the bench also.
The Melbourne Storm have named an unchanged line up to the team that beat the Titans last week 42-6. They will be looking to put on a similar showing with the same team on Friday night against a struggling Broncos outfit.
Last meeting: Round 20 2019 - Broncos 4 Storm 40
Who to watch: Young halfback Tom Dearden will get his shot to start at halfback for the first time this season. He has been thrown in the deep end with a struggling Broncos side, but will be looking to stake his claim on the number 7 jumper for the remainder of the season. Last season he was pretty impressive when he played at just 18 years of age and if he can at least help to improve the direction of Brisbane's struggling attack he should be able to stay where he has been named to play this week.
Ryan Papenhuyzen has been in rich form recently and has broken apart a couple of defences with his speed and quick feet. If the Broncos defence does not improve this week, look for him to do the same against what has been a very poor defensive force recently.
The favourite: The Storm are big favourites to win this one.
My tip: Broncos coach Anthony Siebold has made an abundance of changes heading into this game. Continuity will still struggle and the seeming lack of effort from some players in the Broncos side won't just suddenly go away. Melbourne are always clinical and I expect them to win by a fair margin. Storm by 22.
