NRLW R1: Roosters v Broncos preview

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Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos Sunday 1:50pm at McDonald Jones Stadium, New Lambton / Awabakal

Tim Costello casts his eye over Sunday's battle between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Two-time Grand Final foes kick off season in style.

Three-time premiers Brisbane will go into a fourth NRLW campaign with confidence remaining sky-high. Some 16 months after they claimed the 2020 premiership, the Broncos have retained a solid core of their squad, led by captain and half Ali Brigginshaw.

The experienced trio of Chelsea Lenarsuzzi, Julia Robinson and Lavinia Gould also remain at Red Hill, along with classy fullback Tamika Upton and dummy-half Lauren Brown.

The Roosters have retained key spine players, with Corban Baxter and Zahara Temara returning to the fold once more. Centre Isabelle Kelly gets a new face to join her with Jess Sergis coming across from the Dragons, while Jocelyn Kelleher is the halfback.

Last meeting: Grand Final 2020 - Broncos 20 Roosters 10

Who to watch: Fullback CORBAN BAXTER will again captain the Tricolours in their fourth NRLW campaign. With eight test matches to her name for the Jillaroos and four All Stars caps, her direction will be crucial if the Roosters are to record their first ever victory over their rivals.

It goes without saying that halfback ALI BRIGGINSHAW is the key for the Broncos. The experienced captain has played in all 12 of the club's NRLW matches since the competition began in 2018 and had the (C) beside her name every step of the way. A member of both 2013 and 2017 World Cup winning Australian test sides, Brigginshaw will be keen to add another victory - and soon enough another premiership - to her stellar list of personal accolades.

The favourite: Premiership favourites and favourites for this game, Brisbane are undeniably backed to win their opening game

My tip: The Roosters are yet to beat the three-time premiers across five outings, and it's hard to see why that would start now when Brisbane are so dedicated to their title defence. BRISBANE BY 10.

5. Brydie Parker 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 24. Taylor-adeline Mapusua 6. Zahara Temara 7. Jocelyn Kelleher 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Tayla Predebon 11. Yasmin Meakes 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Shawden Burton 15. Keilee Joseph 17. Simone Karpani 18. Raecene Mcgregor 19. Joeli Morris  23. Mya Hill-Moana 24. Taylor-Adeline Mapusua

1. Tamika Upton 2. Julia Robinson 3. Amy Turner 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 5. Emily Bass 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Millie Boyle 9. Lauren Brown 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 11. Tallisha Harden 12. Amber Hall 13. Nakita Sao 14. Jada Ferguson 15. Kaitlyn Phillips 16. Roxy Murdoch 17. Sara Sautia 18. Hayley Maddick  23. China Polata 24. Jessikah Reeves

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Clayton Wills, Tori Wilkie; Video Referees: Chris Butler;