Roosters v Broncos NRLW preview

Embed from Getty Images

Sydney Roosters (W) v Brisbane Broncos (W) Sunday 1:45pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park / Gadigal

The Roosters and Broncos will be fighting to avoid an 0-2 start to the 2024 NRLW season

The Sydney Roosters showed resilience in their Round 1 clash, fighting back in the second half after trailing 0-10 at halftime. Halfback Tarryn Aiken played a crucial role, setting up the Roosters' two second-half tries. Jocelyn Kelleher ignited the comeback with a try she converted herself, narrowing the score to 12-6 with just 12 minutes left. Aiken's perfectly timed kick allowed Jess Sergis to score in the final minute, but Kelleher's missed conversion left the Roosters just short of forcing the game into golden point. Isabelle Kelly and Jess Sergis were both put on report for dangerous tackles during the match, but only Sergis faced any consequence, pleading guilty without missing any game time. For their upcoming match, the Roosters will see Sam Bremner coming out of retirement to reclaim the fullback position. This change prompts some lineup adjustments: Jayme Fressard moves to the wing, Taina Naividi drops to the reserves, and Isabelle Kelly shifts to the halves alongside Aiken. Amber Hall, listed in the reserves, might make a late inclusion if she recovers from her ankle injury in time.

The Brisbane Broncos faced a tough start to the season, losing 22-10 to the Parramatta Eels, last year's wooden spooners, at Suncorp Stadium. Despite starting strong with Julia Robinson running the length of the field for the opening try, the Broncos' poor discipline cost them dearly. Conceding seven penalties to one by halftime, the Broncos trailed 4-10 at the break. Another early penalty in the second half allowed the Eels to extend their lead before Chelsea Lenarduzzi managed to score for the Broncos. The Broncos struggled to maintain composure for the rest of the game, allowing the Eels to further their lead. The final blow came when Annetta-Claudia Nu'uausala was sin-binned for a hip drop tackle, compounded by a striking charge that resulted in a six-week suspension. In response, coach Scott Prince has made significant changes: Keilee Joseph moves to the front row, Mariah Denman shifts to lock, Tazmin Rapana steps up from the bench to start in the second row, and Destiny Brill returns from a calf injury, named on the bench. These adjustments are crucial as the Broncos seek their first win of the season to avoid a daunting 0-2 start.

Last meeting: Round 1 2023 - Broncos 18 Roosters 36

Who to watch: It's hard to go past the return of Sam Bremner to help bolster the Roosters side after the loss of Corbin Baxter. Bremner retired in January 2023 after a stellar playing career between 2011-2022. She was named Dally M Fullback in the NRLW ‘Team of the Year' and the fullback in the RLPA's ‘Dream Team' of 2022.

Bronco winger Julia Robinson has speed to burn and can set the field on fire if given the space. Scoring 15 tries across her 25-game career, Robinson is a regular name on the NRLW try-scorers sheet. One of the members of the OG Broncos NRLW side, she has also committed to the club until the end of the 2027 season and has recently joined the Broncos Game Development team.

MY TIP: Brisbane have had to deal with a lot more changes to their side than the Roosters, and with the return of Sam Bremmner in the back, the Roosters are looking to be the more cohesive side going into this one. I don't see the Broncos being as poor, though, as they will definitely learn from their mistakes. Roosters by 6.

1. Sam Bremner 2. Jayme Fressard 3. Jessica Sergis 4. Jasmine Strange 5. Mia Wood 6. Isabelle Kelly 7. Tarryn Aiken 8. Millie Elliott 9. Keeley Davis 10. Pani Hopoate 11. Otesa Pule 12. Olivia Kernick 13. Aliyah Nasio 14. Jocelyn Kelleher 16. Samantha Economos 17. Mya Hill-Moana 21. Amber Hall 18. Tiana Davison

1. Hayley Maddick 2. Julia Robinson 3. Mele Hufanga 4. Lauren Dam 5. Bree Spreadborough 6. Skyla Adams 7. Ali Brigginshaw 8. Keilee Joseph 9. Jada Ferguson 10. Brianna Clark 11. Tazmin Rapana 12. Romy Teitzel 16. Jasmine Fogavini 13. Mariah Denman 14. Destiny Brill 15. Chelsea Lenarduzzi 17. Bridget Hoy 18. Hannah Larsson

Referees: Belinda Sharpe; Sideline Officials: Ethan Klein, Bradley Kiehne; Video Referees: Todd Smith;