Broncos v Roosters NRLW preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters Saturday 5:05pm at AAMI Park, Melbourne / Wurundjeri

After a big first weekend of action, the NRLW heads into Round 2 and begins with the grand final rematch at AAMI Park, where the Brisbane Broncos take on the Sydney Roosters this Saturday afternoon.

Defending premiers Brisbane come into the game off the back of an impressive 14-4 victory on Sunday against the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Broncos were put under pressure throughout the game but their defence was again impressive as they restricted the Dragons to a lone try for the match. The Broncos had less of the ball than their opponents which put the pressure on however, they were good enough to hold out the Dragons and manage to build their own pressure.

This weekend they've made two changes to their line-up, with Tamika Upton named in the reserves bench after suffering a lower leg injury last week after a solid game on the wing for the Broncos. The Broncos have named Julia Robinson on the wing with the other change coming on the bench with Jessika Elliston dropped to the reserves with Chelsea Lenarduzzi named in jersey 17.

The Sydney Roosters were again expected to win their opening match of the season against the Warriors but for the second year in a row, the Tricolours were outplayed by the ladies from across the Tasman as they fell to a 16-12 defeat at AAMI Park. They were able to dominate possession and field position, but couldn't take advantage as the Warriors were able to outdo the Roosters, taking advantage of their limited chances.

The Bondi girls have made just one change to their line-up with halfback Melanie Howard out of the squad entirely, NSW country representative Simone Smith instead called into the side to start at halfback. The Roosters will also be monitoring second-rower Hannah Southwell who failed to finish last week's match due to concussion.

Last meeting: Grand Final 2018 - Broncos 34 Roosters 12

Who to watch: Former Dragon Raecene McGregor had a strong game for the Broncos last week and looked to take pressure off the back of Ali Brigginshaw. McGregor possesses a very good kicking game that can both help the Broncos out of trouble, and put the pressure on their opponents.

Roosters back rower Caitlan Johnston is set to come off the bench for the second week in a row and had a strong performance off the bench against the Warriors. The 18-year-old had almost scored try last week only denied by the bunker but was also defensively strong making 30 tackles.

My tip: The Broncos were impressive last week both in attack and defence, but the Roosters showed they can make a contest out of the game. The Tricolours are lacking experience in the halves, which could be an issue compared to the Broncos. The game will be decided by the attack and I think that the women in the red, white and blue may just get the Broncos on that fact. Roosters by 2.

1. Chelsea Baker 2. Julia Robinson 3. Amy Turner 4. Amber Pilley 5. Meg Ward 6. Raecene McGregor 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Millie Boyle 9. Lavinia Gould 10. Amber Hall 11. Annette Brander 12. Tazmin Gray 13. Rona Peters 14. Tarryn Aiken 15. Steph Hancock 16. Mariah Storch 17. Chelsea Lenarduzzi

1. Corban McGregor 2. Karina Brown 3. Shontelle Stowers 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Kiana Takairangi 14. Zahara Temara 7. Simone Smith 8. Ruan Sims 9. Nita Maynard 10. Vanessa Foliaki 11. Tallisha Harden 12. Hannah Southwell 13. Simaima Taufa-Kautai 6. Kirra Dibb 15. Rebecca Young 16. Aliti Namoce 17. Caitlan Johnston

Referees: Adam Cassidy, Martin Jones; Sideline Officials: Jordan Morel, Karra-lee Nolan; Video Referees: Steve Clark, Beau Scott;