Round 3: Broncos v Titans preview
The Broncos hope to keep their season alive with a Round 3 match-up with the fast-starting Titans.
The Brisbane Broncos, one of the NRLW premiership hopefuls, have had a tough start to their 2024 campaign, going 0-2 after a 28-12 loss to the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium last round. Despite a promising start with an early try, the Broncos found it challenging to maintain their momentum, with their completion rate falling below 70 percent. The team made uncharacteristic 15 errors and gave away seven penalties, which proved to be their undoing. Coach Scott Prince acknowledged both the positives and the mistakes that let the Roosters off the hook, stating, ‘Some really positive things were happening for us, and then we'd ease the pressure valve on the Roosters at some points... dumb plays putting pressure on ourselves.'. The return of Gayle Broughton from injury is a significant boost for the Broncos, as she will partner with Ali Brigginshaw in the halves. Stacey Waaka, fresh from her Olympic gold medal victory, will make her NRLW debut at centre. Her inclusion could prove to be a game changer, depending on how she adapts to rugby league after just playing rugby union on the world's biggest sporting stage. In the forward pack, the team will be without Brianna Clark due to suspension, with Chelsea Lenarduzzi stepping in as the starting prop.
The Gold Coast Titans, on the other hand, have had a flying start to their season, currently sitting at the top of the table with a 2-0 record. Their latest victory, a 28-12 win over the Wests Tigers at Cbus Super Stadium, showcased their attacking prowess and solid defence, instilling a sense of confidence in the team. Jamie Chapman was the star of the match, crossing for three tries, while Lauren Brown's quick thinking and accurate goal-kicking further bolstered the Titans' score. Despite a few injury concerns, coach Karyn Murphy has named an unchanged 17 for this weekend's clash with the Broncos. Although Emily Bass and Brittany Breayley-Nati did not finish the game against the Tigers, they are both expected to start, being given until game time to prove their fitness. The Titans will look to continue their winning streak and cement their place at the top of the ladder.
Last meeting: Round 2 2023 - Broncos 16 Titans 17
Who to watch: Playing her first game for the Broncos this year, Gayle Broughton will potentially bring something to the side that they've been missing so far this year. Returning to partner her halfback, Ali Brigginshaw, Broughton will be looking to support her side in improving their attack as they have only scored 22 points in their first two games.
Titans winger Jamie Chapman had a try-scoring field day against the Wests Tigers in Round 2, bagging herself the second hat-trick of her career. Running over 250 metres, making five tackle breaks, and three line breaks, she was an absolute handful for the defence. If the Titans can get her ball in open space, the Broncos better watch out!
MY TIP: I'm definitely going with the Titans on this one. Although the Broncos will be looking to get their first win of the season, the Titans are determined to go one better than the 2023 season and win a premiership… and from their form in their first two games, they are headed that way already. Titans by 8.
