NRLW Semi Final: Broncos v Roosters preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters Sunday 1:45pm at Leichhardt Oval, Lilyfield / Wanngal

A rematch of the 2020 NRLW final is what is in store for fans on Sunday's second NRLW finals clash as the Minor Premiers the Brisbane Broncos take on the Sydney Roosters who snuck into the finals ironically thanks to their opponent's big win over the Parramatta Eels.

The Broncos are the form team of the NRLW right through it's history and it was no surprise that the Broncos were the team to beat yet again this season and although unlike previous seasons, there was a lot more competition on Brisbane than in previous years. The Broncos lost just one game all season but it was a game that would've stung significantly having been beaten by their Queensland Rivals the Titans.

Last weekend, the Broncos reasserted themselves as the dominant force of the NRLW as they racked up the points defeating the Eels 38-4 at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos were in control of the game from start to finish as they 7 tries to 1 against an Eels side who had been strong through the season. The Broncos were dominant in every facet with 65% possession, just 6 errors and winning an 8-4 penalty count on their way to victory.

In a boost for the Broncos, coach Kelvin Wright welcomes back Tamika Upton after missing last week through COVID and the previous week under concussion protocols whilst Julia Robinson returns from a cheekbone injury. This pushes both Hayley Maddick and Hagiga Mosby back to the reserves.

The Sydney Roosters will be counting their blessings that they have made the NRLW finals this season after scoring just two victories across their five games and make the final thanks to Broncos big win doing irreparable damage to the Eels for and against. The Roosters have been disappointing this season with a strong line up and will need plenty of improvement heading into the finals.

Coming into the finals as the only team coming off a defeat, the Roosters will need to quickly turn their form around following their 16-10 defeat to the Dragons. The Roosters were poor and only scored in the final minute to give themselves an outside chance of a grandstand finish to potentially force the game to golden point. The tricolours have had their moments of success this season but need much improvement right across the park.

For the first time this season, coach John Strange has been able to name the same squad as the previous week although there are still concerns over Jess Sergis who was hampered by an ankle injury last week. There is also some doubt whether Zahara Temara keeps her spot in the 17 after being taken from the field last weekend in a tactical decision and she could face a positional swap again.

Last meeting: Round 1 2021 - Roosters 4 Broncos 20

Who to watch: Returning from injury and COVID, Tamika Upton is a key player for the Broncos and she will be looking to make a huge impact on her return. Upton has been a strong performer this season and her ability to turn up anywhere on the field can cause all sorts of issues for opposition defence who have to keep an extra eye on her.

As mentioned above, Zahara Temara was taken from the field during last week's contest against the Dragons as a tactical decision and there is a strong chance that it could happen again this week if things don't go the Roosters way. Temara is a key player for the Roosters and a lot of their attack relies on the Queenslander and she needs to step up.

The favourite: The Broncos are hot favourites.

My tip: It's very hard to go past the Broncos, their performance last weekend was impressive and very few sides could match their efforts. The Roosters have been poor this season and it's hard to see a remarkable turn around in form. Broncos by 16.

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. Kaitlyn Phillips 12. Amber Hall 13. Lavinia Gould 14. Hayley Maddick 15. Tallisha Harden 16. Roxy Murdoch 17. Sara Sautia 18. Jada Ferguson

1. Corban Baxter 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Brydie Parker 6. Zahara Temara 7. Raecene Mcgregor 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Olivia Higgins 10. Mya Hill-Moana 11. Yasmin Meakes 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Hannah Southwell 14. Jocelyn Kelleher 15. Keilee Joseph 16. Tayla Predebon 17. Simone Karpani 18. Joeli Morris

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Clayton Wills, Tori Wilkie; Video Referees: Matt Noyen;