Broncos v Rabbitohs preview

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Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs Friday 8:05pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

New season. New hopes and dreams. Fresh Start. For some players, new clubs.

For fans, hopefully an uninterrupted season of attending games. One thing remains the same as we head into the 2022 NRL kickoff, the Brisbane Broncos playing on a Friday Night. 

The Broncos kick things off against the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, but sadly we've been robbed of the biggest storyline, Adam Reynolds, who would have made his debut against his former side. Thanks COVID. Haven't you done enough over the last two years?

Coach Kevin Walters has gone with son Billy and Albert Kelly as his halves.

Kurt Capewell, Ryan James and Tyrone Roberts will make their club debuts for the Broncos. The impressive Jamayne Issako starts at fullback. 

For the Rabbitohs, a strong lineup, as they look to go one better in 2022. Blake Taaffe starts at fullback as Lattrell Mitchell is still suspended.

Lachlan Illias gets the nod at halfback to replace the aforementioned departed Adam Reynolds.

Michael Chee Kam will make his first appearance for Souths, coming off the bench. Look at those outside backs - Johnston, Paulo, Graham, Milne. Not bad at all.

Brisbane come into the new season having won two of their final 5 games of 2021, with defending being their biggest issue - leaking an average of 24 points per game. They can score points, but they need to improve their defence if they are to lift themselves out of the bottom 4.

South Sydney come into 2022 on the back of a heartbreaking Grand Final loss at the very same venue.

New coach Jason Demetriou has a talented playing list at his disposal and they will surely be one of the top teams yet again this season.

Last time they met was in Round 15 of 2021, and South Sydney absolutely cleaned the Broncos up, in a 46-0 win.

I'm very much looking forward to this one.  Whilst I do think Souths will ultimately run out comfortable winners, I think the Broncos will be competitive for the first 20-30 minutes. 

Interesting to see how their Walters/Kelly halves combination fares. South Sydney have class all over the park.

The favourite: At the time of writing, Souths were 1.28 favourites and rightly so.

My tip: Close at half time, no so close at 80 minutes. Rabbitohs by 20.

1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Billy Walters 7. Albert Kelly 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ryan James 15. Rhys Kennedy 16. Teui Robati 17. Tyrone Roberts 19. Brenko Lee

2. Alex Johnston 19. Josh Mansour 3. Jaxson Paulo 4. Campbell Graham 5. Taane Milne 6. Cody Walker 7. Lachlan Ilias 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Mark Nicholls 11. Keaon Koloamatangi 12. Jai Arrow 13. Cameron Murray 14. Jacob Host 15. Siliva Havili 16. Thomas Burgess 17. Michael Chee Kam 18. Davvy Moale

Referees: Ashley Klein; Sideline Officials: Wyatt Raymond, Todd Smith; Video Referees: Alan Shortall;