Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters
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Broncos v Roosters NRLW preview
Saturday afternoon NRLW action heads to Brisbane for the first time this season with the Broncos playing host to the Sydney Roosters with the Broncos looking revenge for the semi-final defeat that saw them fail to make the grand final for the first time.
The Broncos are in the unusual position for them of looking down the barrel of a losing streak having started the season with a 32-14 loss to the Newcastle Knights up in the Hunter last weekend. For the first time in the club's NRLW history, the Broncos have lost back-to-back games following their semi-final defeat and then round 1 defeat.
Last weekend, the Broncos were outplayed by the Knights in their defeat in Newcastle. The Broncos were behind the 8-ball early as the Knights were dominant from start to finish and although being in touch, they never looked close to pushing the Knights. The Broncos didn't play poor Rugby League, but the loss of some key players showed as combinations looked out of sync at first in attack.
Broncos coach Kelvin Wright has kept the same 13 as last week but made one change to the bench with Brianna Clark coming onto the bench in place of Jasmine Fogavini who is out of the squad completely.
The Sydney Roosters started their premiership defence in style at Commbank Stadium last weekend with a 38-16 victory over the Parramatta Eels last weekend. The Roosters have looked to set their season up strongly with a back-to-back effort for the Tricolours looking to defend their premiership glory.
Last weekend, was a story of three parts for the Roosters in their match against the Eels as they were able to shoot out to a 12-0 lead before the Eels fought back within two points twice in the contest. The third part of the story was pure dominance as the Roosters were able to go up a gear as the Eels couldn't match them as the Roosters were able to score 20 unanswered points.
There are no changes to the 17 or the 22 player squad for the Roosters that was named for last week's match against Parramatta.
Last meeting: Semi Finals 2021 - Broncos 16 Roosters 22
Who to watch: It's a rare occasion to see the Broncos outmuscled in the forwards, but that is what happened last weekend and needing to make sure that doesn't happen, Chelsea Lenarduzzi will need to step up and take on a leadership role in the forwards. The loss off Millie Boyle has left a gap for the Broncos and after being beaten last weekend, there is a point to prove for the Broncos.
One of the surprise packets of the NRLW season last year, Olivia Kernick has made a name for herself as a second rower to watch and poses many a danger for the opposition. For the Roosters, Kernick's game is one of many facets possession a strong running game which has caused many an issue for the opposition but a strong passing game makes her a very dangerous player.
The favourite: Last week's results and the Roosters status as reigning premiers sees them installed as favourites for the first time against the Broncos.
My tip: It's a game that could go either way but I'm leaning just towards the Roosters. They put in the more polished performance last week and the Broncos will improve back at home but I think there is enough in the Roosters squad to overcome the Broncos in what will be a close game. Roosters by 4.
20. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Amy Turner 4. Shenae Ciesiolka 1. Jaime Chapman 6. Tarryn Aiken 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Sophie Holyman 9. Nita Maynard 10. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 15. Kaitlyn Phillips 12. Amber Hall 13. Tallisha Harden 14. Jada Ferguson 11. Sara Sautia 16. Crystal Tamarua 17. Brianna Clark 18. Shakiah Tungai
1. Sam Bremner 2. Leianne Tufuga 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Isabelle Kelly 5. Jayme Fressard 6. Zahara Temara 7. Raecene McGregor 8. Sarah Togatuki 9. Destiny Brill 10. Mya Hill-Moana 11. Shaniah Power 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Keilee Joseph 14. Jocelyn Kelleher 15. Shawden Burton 16. Kalosipani Hopoate 17. Otesa Pule 18. Joeli Morris
Referees: Kasey Badger; Sideline Officials: Kailey Beattie, Mitchell Currie; Video Referees: Alan Shortall;