Broncos v Sharks preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks Saturday 7:35pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Can the second placed Sharks bite back against the Broncos or will they go three losses in a row?  

With the bye last week, Round 12 was the last time the Broncos played, an experience they probably want to forget as they went down 34-36 to an undermanned Titans' side at Suncorp Stadium. This week their stars are expected to back up after Origin, but this is subjected to change and may do more harm than good. In some more certain news, Ezra Mam will be playing his 50th NRL and Broncos game this weekend.

Last week Cronulla lost to 15th placed Parramatta 34-22, making it the previous ladder leaders 3rd loss of the season and 2nd in a row. The only change in their starting side from the team that won against the Roosters and lost against the Panthers was the omission of Hynes and McInnes, but this can't be the sole reason for Cronulla's two losses. Will we witness a shiver of Sharks or a few swimming alone?

This week for the Broncos, Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo have all been named to play after Origin I, but have to be cleared before they play. With these four players in representative duties, Brisbane can have two extra men named in the reserves. These include the likes of Tristan Sailor (who is returning from injury), Fletcher Baker and Jaiyden Hunt if need be. Kotoni Staggs returns from a rib injury and is set to start, which moves Josiah Karapani to the reserves. 

Meanwhile for the Sharks, Nicho Hynes will be rested this weekend, while other Origin representative Cameron McInnes has been named to back up, so Jack Williams goes to the bench. Teig Wilton is out of the starting side with a shoulder problem and is replaced by Siosifa Talakai. Braden Hamlin-Uele is out of the squad and his spot is taken by Tuku Hau Tapuha.

Last meeting: Round 14 2023 - Sharks 12 Broncos 20

Who to watch: Having less than 20 games under his belt, Deine Mariner is slowly cementing his name as Brisbane's go-to-winger. In the game against the Titans' Deine scored a try and had seven runs for 134 metres. When given the ball from his halves, Mariner can be dangerous, especially in the corner. This week he will have to bring his A-game once again when facing Katoa and Mulitalo, keeping them away from the try line will be key to winning the battle on the edges.  

Jock Madden is doing well to cover Reynolds in his absence. Having his own unique playing style, his kicking abilities are well known after his match winning field goal against Manly. Slowing down attack and thinking critically is also needed following a disorderly performance against the Titans. With a 95% tackle efficiency last match, his defence and kicks on last plays will be crucial on Saturday.

Ronaldo Mulitalo is someone you can always rely on to get the job done. Even when playing on the losing side, he had 232 run metres, the most from the Sharks. Coming away with one line break and one try assist, Mulitalo is a weapon so will want to continue this form to turn Atkinson and Trindall's plays into points. 

Having the second most run metres was Will Kennedy, who had an interesting game on Saturday. It was rocks and diamonds, scoring a try but making two errors with some poor defence at times. He combined with Mulitalo for a long range play, making two tackle breaks, passing it on and then receiving it back to place it down for a four-pointer. Kennedy will need consistency this week if he wants to outshine Walsh in the fullback battle.

Favourite: Brisbane are predicted to win this clash.

My tip: Broncos all the way, not just because I have another LeagueUnlimited writer's Broncos scarf, i but because of the prowess instilled in their players. Brisbane by 16.

23. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski 19. Fletcher Baker 22. Josiah Karapani

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 15. Toby Rudolf 9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai 13. Cameron McInnes 8. Thomas Hazelton 14. Jack Williams 16. Royce Hunt 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 19. Billy Burns

Referees: Grant Atkins; Sideline Officials: Drew Oultram, Damian Brady; Video Referees: Peter Gough;