Round 5: Broncos v Wests Tigers preview
First plays last in ‘joke' of a fixture
A clash of contrasting fortune awaits on Saturday evening as the first-placed Brisbane Broncos host the last-placed Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium.
Sitting atop the premiership ladder as the only undefeated side after the opening month of the season, the Brisbane Broncos will come into the clash as overwhelming favourites.
Rallying from a second half deficit to record an 18-12 victory over the Dolphins in the inaugural battle of Brisbane last Friday, coach Kevin Walters will be hoping his side can become the first Broncos outfit to open a season with five consecutive victories since 1998.
Retaining the same squad that prevailed on home soil last week, edge forward Jordan Riki will make his 50th first grade appearance after debuting with the club during the ill-fated 2020 campaign.
Languishing at the bottom of the ladder as the only club without a win so far this season, the Wests Tigers will be hoping a strong recent record against their weekend opponents continues.
Unable to claw back a halftime deficit during last Friday's 24-12 loss to the Storm in Melbourne, coach Tim Sheens has once again altered his line up by naming Jake Simpkin, Justin Matamua and Starford To'a on the bench in place of Daine Laurie, Shawn Blore and Alex Seyfarth.
While the Tigers hold a poor overall record against the Broncos with nine wins from 31 previous encounters, the joint venture has won the past four clashes between the two sides in succession.
Last meeting: Round 20 2022 - Broncos 18 Wests Tigers 32
Who to watch: Patrick Carrigan will be out to make amends after incurring a season-derailing suspension when the two sides faced off late last season. Spending four weeks on the sidelines which coincided with the side spiralling from fourth all the way out of the top eight by season's end, the 25-year-old has been in fine form this season averaging 165 running metres and 36 tackles each week. Making his first grade debut against the Tigers back in 2019, Carrigan will be hoping to capitalise on the lowly opposition and claim his first try in the top grade.
Enjoying the best form of his career since beginning the transition from the backline to the forwards, Asu Kepaoa has been a rare shining light in trying times for the joint venture. Beginning his time in the NRL on the wing before spending time in the centres last season, the Auckland-born 23-year-old has offered a much-needed point of difference in attack this season, especially as an edge back-rower. Named in the backline once again after snaring a try in last week's loss to the Storm, look for Kepaoa to create havoc with the ball in hand.
Favourite: It should come as no surprise to see the Broncos installed as overwhelming favourites to extend their winning run to five in a row.
My tip: Saturday may be April Fools' Day but it will be no laughing matter at the end of 80 minutes for the visitors. Broncos by 28.
