Bucking Broncos hoping to continue strong form against wounded Tigers

Brisbane Broncos v Wests Tigers Saturday 7:35pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

The Broncos are looking to cement their place in the top 4, going against a Tigers side without several key players.

The Tigers have lost Jarome Luai to a two game suspension for a high tackle during their loss to the Warriors last week, meanwhile winger Jeral Skelton, a key figure in their first three matches, has not been named after being a late withdrawal last week due to a hamstring issue.

The Broncos - who were fully healthy for the first time against the Dolphins last week - also have a player unavailable, with Jordan Riki suspended for a high tackle as well. But whereas they have Brendan Piakura to replace him, the Tigers have had to rely on young talent, with Latu Fainu named at halfback and Luke Laulilii to play on the wing.

A Broncos win would see them take a third straight win - something they did just once last season - while a 3-2 start for the Tigers would be their best through 5 games since 2019.

Last meeting: Round 8 2024 - Wests Tigers 10 Broncos 34

Who to watch: The more Reece Walsh underperforms, the more you expect him to bounce back. After error-riddled performances against the Raiders and Cowboys, Walsh made just one error and picked up a try assist in their win over the Dolphins. However, the wet conditions stifled his attacking output and he was held to below 100 metres for the first time this year. If the conditions are better at Suncorp on Saturday, expect Walsh to make his mark on the game.

With Jarome Luai watching from the sidelines, the young halves partnership of Lachlan Galvin and Latu Fainu is going to be tested. Galvin's kicking game has improved, however he will need to step up his production tenfold in the absence of his halfback. Fainu meanwhile is playing for his future in the halves, having played just one previous game there after losing out to Galvin on the five-eighth jersey in the 2024 preseason. Both will need to fire to beat a team some consider to be a premiership contender.

The favourite: The Broncos are heavily favoured for this one.

My tip: Broncos 13+. Maybe even 20+.

1. Reece Walsh 2. Selwyn Cobbo 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ben Hunt 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Patrick Carrigan 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Brendan Piakura 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Jaiyden Hunt 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Deine Mariner 20. Martin Taupau 21. Benjamin Te Kura 22. Jock Madden

1. Jahream Bula 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Adam Doueihi 4. Starford To'a 5. Luke Laulilii 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Latu Fainu 8. Terrell May 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Fonua Pole 11. Samuela Fainu 12. Alex Seyfarth 13. Alex Twal 14. Tallyn Da Silva 15. Royce Hunt 16. Jack Bird 17. Sione Fainu 18. Heath Mason 19. Kit Laulilii 20. Solomona Faataape 21. Reuben Porter 22. Tony Sukkar

Referees: Liam Kennedy; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Nick Pelgrave; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;