Broncos v Dragons preview

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Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra Dragons Saturday 7:35pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Both teams are looking to continue their perfect starts to their seasons. Brisbane have won two from two games so far, as have St George won their one match, due to a bye in Round 1.

The Broncos are coming off a red-hot win against the Cowboys, where they had a slow start to the game but really dominated during the second half. If they successfully beat the Dragons, they will extend their 2023 lead to make it three wins from three games, something they haven't done since 2009.

On the other side, the Dragons have been among conversation to take home the wooden spoon in 2023, however they showed a strong side when rolling the Titans with a 32-18 win. They sit even with Brisbane on the ladder with 4 competition points, despite only having the opportunity to play one game so far, due to drawing a bye in Round 1.

Both teams are fortunate to not be affected by an extensive injury toll, with only minimal changes happening to each respective side.

After Corey Oates suffered a broken cheekbone in the second half of the game against the Cowboys, Jesse Arthurs is replacing him on the wing. Outside from this, the Broncos are looking to have an unchanged side for Saturday.

Dragons have an unchanged side, with the same 17 named to take the field. However, rookie Toby Couchman could be ruled out pending concussion protocol after he collided with Gold Coast second-rower Joe Stimson during the Titans match and was forced from the field for a HIA.

The Dragons have an impressive history against the Broncos, winning six of their seven matchups since 2018. However, Suncorp Stadium is not too kind to the visiting team, where they have lost their past 5 games at the stadium.

Last meeting: Round 25 2022 - Dragons 22 Broncos 12

Who to watch: After an impressive debut in the maroon and gold, it'll be exciting to see what magic Reece Walsh can bring against the Dragons. Playing in fullback against the Cowboys, Walsh set up two tries and finished off the match by scoring a try of his own, which saw him named Player of the Match.

With the Dragons determined to beat the wooden spoon suggestions, Ben Hunt might just be the player to convince everyone of such. A stellar performance on Sunday left Ben Hunt with four tackle breaks, one try assist, alongside a 4-pointer of his own. I'm hoping to see Ben Hunt continue to dominate in the halves, especially when playing against the Brisbane Broncos, his former side. 

Favourite: The Broncos are slightly favoured to take the victory at home. 

My tip: With both teams having excellent starts to their seasons, I see this game as a challenge for both sides. However, I believe that the Broncos have it in them to continue their winning streak and pull a win over the Dragons in the end. Broncos by 12.

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 16. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 8. Corey Jensen 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner

1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Mathew Feagai 3. Moses Suli 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Jayden Sullivan 7. Ben Hunt 8. Francis Molo 9. Moses Mbye 10. Blake Lawrie 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Jack Bird 14. Jacob Liddle 15. Zane Musgrove 17. Josh Kerr 18. Michael Molo 20. Jaiyden Hunt

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Nick Pelgrave, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Chris Butler;