Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos
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Roosters v Broncos preview
Biggest mismatch of the season looms
Any doubts over the Roosters' premiership credentials were quashed last week with a dominant win over the Tigers. Despite a mounting injury toll the Roosters put Wests Tigers to the sword with Kyle Flanagan and Drew Hutchison not overawed by the occasion to help lead the side to a 38-16 win.
The Tricolours are starting to welcome back some of the cavalry with Boyd Cordner and Daniel Tupou returning. The temptation would have been there for Robinson to rest the pair for one more week with the Broncos not posing any real threat.
It doesn't bode well for Brisbane with it clear that the Roosters aren't intent on being complacent on Friday.
This week brings an end to the reign of Anthony Seibold and if there was one specific low point in a dismal season it has to be Brisbane's last meeting with the Roosters.
The 59-0 defeat was their biggest in history. It dispelled any hope that the 34-6 loss to Parramatta was a small blip after two consecutive losses to start the year. Unfortunately it has all gone downhill from there and Seibold has been the casualty.
Tom Dearden and Sean O'Sullivan make up a highly inexperienced halves pairing for this Friday's game but thankfully for them the Roosters too also field a relatively fresh combination.
Brisbane showed great resolve last week to fight back against the Dragons after a disastrous start. The only problem is if they fall behind again they will struggle to get anywhere near a relentless Roosters side.
Last meeting: Round 4 2020 - Broncos 0 Roosters 59
Who to watch: You know what is even scarier about Brisbane's 59-point drubbing at the hands of the Roosters? The fact that James Tedesco wasn't even playing that night.
Brisbane's defence has struggled big-time this year and will have a tough task trying to contain the tackle-busting fullback. Their ruck defence in particular has been brutally exposed and Tedesco could have a field day trailing through the middle off the Roosters' big men.
If the Broncos are any chance of even getting close on Friday night they need all the help they can get from David Fifita. The soon-to-be Titan already has 18 tackle busts from his three games since returning from injury. He could also be a strong target to put up against the Roosters' rookie halves pairing given his sheer size and evasiveness.
The favourite: ... this is pretty obvious. Roosters are the shortest priced favourites of the year.
My tip: Even if they're not at their best, it is the home side with ease. Roosters by 30.
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Josh Morris 4. Joseph Manu 5. Brett Morris 6. Drew Hutchison 7. Kyle Flanagan 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 12. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Nat Butcher 13. Isaac Liu 11. Boyd Cordner 14. Freddy Lussick 15. Poasa Faamausili 17. Lindsay Collins
1. Darius Boyd 2. Richard Kennar 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jordan Kahu 5. Herbie Farnworth 6. Sean O'Sullivan 7. Tom Dearden 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Cory Paix 10. Rhys Kennedy 11. David Fifita 12. Ben Te'o 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Brodie Croft 15. Jordan Riki 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Jamil Hopoate
Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Peter Gough, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Jared Maxwell, Ben Galea;