Round 8: Cavalry arrives for Broncos as they ride to confront Tigers
The Broncos have welcomed four players back into their squad ahead of a meeting with a Tigers side that has seen their strong form to start the season somewhat reversed in recent weeks.
Brisbane are coming off strong wins back to back - first against the Dolphins and then last weeks 34-10 beat down of the Raiders. They won those matches without Adam Reynolds, Brendan Piakura, Deine Mariner and Payne Haas, all of whom have been named to make their returns this week. Although, as has been the theme this season, they are not at full strength with the team opting to rest Ezra Mam and Selwyn Cobbo to let them overcome minor injuries.
The Tigers played out a respectable 22-6 loss to Penrith in Bathurst last week, but regardless it's a third straight loss for a team that looked to be clicking at Easter. Compounding issues, Junior Tupou is likely out for an extended period with a foot injury, meaning Solomon Alaimolo has been named to make his NRL debut.
In terms of statistics, Brisbane hold the clear advantage. Their win last week took them into the "Danger Zone", and they're now a team with a top 8 attack and defence. The Tigers are just outside that mark defensively, however their attack is just 15th across the NRL. And against a side like the Broncos who can score from just about anywhere on the field, not being able to fight fire with fire is a major disadvantage.
Last meeting: Round 5 2023 - Broncos 46 Wests Tigers 12
Who to watch: By far the most important player for the Broncos will be halfback and captain Adam Reynolds who returns from a two week absence with a hamstring injury. It feels almost a miracle they were so good in both matches he missed, as is the dominance he has over the side. His kicking game will be important as the Broncos look to take advantage with their superiority across the board.
Probably the player that benefits the most from the return of Reynolds will be back rower Jordan Riki, who marked his emergence as a star with a double in this fixture last year. While he has only one try to start 2024, running off Reynolds should see that number rise very quickly. And with the return of Payne Haas and the ever-present carries of Pat Carrigan, Brisbane will want to turn the match into a game of inches, which is one area Riki has a massive advantage in (iykyk).
For the Tigers to have any hope of victory, they need their forward pack to step up. That will need to be led by Stefano Utoikamanu who was held to just 75 metres in the clash with Penrith last week. With Origin debates now beginning to ramp up, Utoikamanu needs to step up and be just as dominant as Haas will be for the Broncos.
But the Tigers will also desperately need points, and that might come from Lachlan Galvin. We saw how good he was against the Eels edge defences, and he needs to replicate it against a Broncos edge that's been somewhat suspect to start the season. It's about of pressure to put on an 18 year old, but the reward if he does rise to the occasion could be an upset win that puts his name on all the season reviews.
The favourite: Brisbane. By a lot.
My tip: With the form they're in and the names they have returning, there's absolutely no chance you can go against Brisbane in this one. Broncos by 14.
