Round 26: Raiders v Broncos preview
The Broncos are looking to make it seven in a row, taking on the Raiders, who look to repeat the upset that unfolded the last time this pair met at Suncorp Stadium during Round 6.
Canberra found themselves back in the winning circle last weekend, beating the Bulldogs with a 36-24 score line, their biggest win margin of the season. This win comes off the back of a Melbourne decimation, with the Raiders scrambling to prove that they deserve a spot in the top eight and have a finals campaign.
Jack Wighton has been listed among the reserves, as he looks to return from a hamstring strain which left him sidelined against the Bulldogs. Albert Hopoate is named, but James Schiller could be called from the bench if he isn't ready for his return from a ribs' injury. Corey Horsburgh is named despite suffering a head knock last round, with Seb Kris also named among the extended squad.
Having already wrapped up a top four position, the highflying Broncos will be recharged and ready after having their final bye during Round 25. Brisbane are looking to seal a top two position, and continue to prove their premiership contender position. They also look to right their wrongs after having lost to the Raiders already, which is only one of five losses of the season.
Skipper and experienced halfback Adam Reynolds, is missing the game due to a calf injury, with Jock Madden taking his place. Corey Oates finally celebrates his 200th NRL game after suffering a knee injury which left him sidelined for just over a month, his return forces Deine Mariner back to reserves. Fellow winger, Jesse Arthars, has been named as 18th man after missing the Broncos' last match due to concussion protocols. Corey Jensen is named on the bench, and Marty Taupau among the reserves after serving a three-match suspension.
The Raiders have history on their side, with them having won four of their past five games against the Broncos, and Kurt Capewell being the only [current] Broncos player to have won an NRL game at GIO Stadium. Despite the loss of Adam Reynolds for this match, Broncos have had great games without him, only losing two of the six where he has been sidelined.
Last meeting: Round 6 2023 - Broncos 14 Raiders 20
Who to watch: Now having three games experience playing at the fullback position this season for the Raiders, Jordan Rapana will be looking to cause a repeat of the damage he did to the Broncos at their last matchup. The Round 6 clash saw Rapana score a double, make two line breaks and caused a controversial penalty to seal the Raiders victory. Scoring a total of ten tries so far this year, he will definitely want to be adding another one or two this coming weekend.
After serving a suspension that saw him sidelined for three matches, Reece Walsh has been in some incredible form since his return. This included him scoring three tries along with assisting with also three and making 20 tackle breaks. Although sometimes prone to making errors, Walsh is continuing to improve his gameplay, and is a fast and electric spine player for the team.
Favourite: Brisbane are favoured to add another two points to their count, to make it seven in a row, and further secure a top two position.
My tip: The Raiders have struggled with form recently, only winning two of their past five, along with leaking 139 points. It will take one hell of a battle for them to beat the booming Broncos, who are fresh off a bye, and are riding into the end of the season + finals with a lot of confidence, along with an impressive win streak. Brisbane will be ready for the fight and won't let history repeat itself again, and Canberra just won't have it in them to survive an 80-minute Brisbane onslaught. Brisbane by 22.
