Round 17: Warriors v Broncos preview
The Warriors will be looking to bounce back at home, after being thumped by the Titans last week with a 66-6 score line, whilst the Broncos are fresh off a bye and looking to turn their season around after losing three consecutive games.
Coming into the 2024 season as premiership contenders, the Warriors started their season off on the wrong foot, losing six of their first ten matches, before turning it around to win three in a row. Last week was nothing short of a disaster, with the Titans easily being able to pile on the points, with the New Zealand side also finding no way to break the Gold Coast defence. This leaves the Warriors in 13th position, desperately trying to inch themselves into the top eight before it's too late.
Shaun Johnson has suffered an achilles injury, which sees him at least seeing four weeks on the sideline, so we see Te Maire Martin shift back to halfback and Chanel Harris-Tavita coming in as five-eighth. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak returns from suspension, whilst Mitch Barnett and Kurt Capewell return after missing last week's clash due to Origin camp.
Brisbane are on a terrible roll, losing their last three games, which brings their total to an even seven wins and seven losses. If the Broncos wish to have any chance in making finals, they desperately need to turn their season around, and get back in the winning circle.
Jesse Arthars makes his return to the wing after injuring his jaw in Round 9, which sees Corey Oates pushed to the extended squad. Jack Gosiewski is starting in the second row with Jordan Riki suspended, with Tristan Sailor, Xavier Willison and Kobe Hetherington all named in the starting side for Reece Walsh, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan respectively, pending post Origin game decisions. Josiah Karapani joins the bench, whilst Fletcher Baker and Martin Taupau get recalled.
The history and stats books are on the side of the Broncos, with the Warriors only winning two of six games at Go Media Stadium this season, and the Brisbane side winning three of their past four match ups against the Warriors. Though, history books don't tell it all and the Broncos will have to fight for a win with the Warriors out for vengeance.
Last meeting: Finals Week 3 2023 - Broncos 42 Warriors 12
Who to watch: Filling in for halfback when Shaun Johnson was previously injured, Te Maire Martin is showing his worth this year. This season Martin has scored three tries, whilst making nine try assists and ten line break assists. The Warriors have won all three games where Martin has played at halfback.
Playing in nine of the Broncos fourteen matches this year, Reece Walsh is an important and electric component of the sides' spine. Barring any injury during Game II Origin, having him back up for the game Saturday will bring back some fire that the Brisbane side have been missing. During the nine matches he has played, Walsh has scored nine tries whilst making four try assists, 36 tackle breaks and eight line breaks. Out of the seven games the Broncos have won, Walsh has appeared in five of them.
Favourite: Somehow, the Broncos are favoured to win (which has been the case recently too…)
My tip: In my (slight) delusional state, I am backing the Broncos to get the job done, although this heavily hinges on our Origin boys backing up. If they wish to turn to season around, now is the time, and if not, well... Brisbane by 8.
