Broncos v Roosters preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters Friday 8:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

With the Broncos coming off three straight wins and the Roosters coming off three straight losses, Friday night football is expected to produce an interesting game at Suncorp.

One of the fiercest rivalries of the modern NRL era writes another chapter this Friday night at Suncorp Stadium, as the Brisbane Broncos host the Sydney Roosters in their preferred 8 pm slot. Since 1998, the two sides have met 50 times, splitting the ledger right down the middle with 25 wins apiece. The winner of this clash won't just bag two competition points — they'll take the historical edge in this long-standing rivalry.

The Broncos are flying high after notching up three straight wins, their latest a clinical 46-24 triumph over the Wests Tigers. While it was close at the break, Brisbane shifted gears in the second half with Reece Walsh producing two try assists and Jesse Arthars and Xavier Willison both bagging doubles. Adam Reynolds chipped in with a two-point field goal and a try of his own, while Ben Hunt's 40/20 set up a crucial momentum shift. Selwyn Cobbo, Billy Walters and Gehamat Shibasaki added late polish to the scoreboard. Despite Brendan Piakura being sin-binned and later stretchered off, the Broncos showed their depth and cohesion to blow the Tigers off the park.

Heading into Round 6, Kevin Walters' men are brimming with confidence — and for good reason. Adam Reynolds, who was under an injury cloud with a hamstring concern, has been named to play, much to the relief of Broncos fans. However, the side will be without Brendan Piakura (suspended) and Kotoni Staggs (also suspended), with Jaiyden Hunt and Martin Taupau set to step in. Jordan Riki also remains sidelined due to suspension. Even so, Brisbane's spine — Walsh, Reynolds, Paix and Hunt — continues to fire, and Jesse Arthars currently leads the NRL try-scoring tally.

On the other side of the fence, it's been a grim few weeks for the Roosters. They've now slumped to three straight losses, the latest a frustrating 18-12 defeat to arch-rivals South Sydney. The Tricolours matched the Bunnies on the try count but couldn't convert their chances — both figuratively and literally — with missed conversions proving costly. James Tedesco was immense with 220 run metres and 12 tackle busts, but he's been a one-man band far too often. Halves Chad Townsend and Sandon Smith were again under the microscope, struggling to provide direction and composure in clutch moments.

Coach Trent Robinson has made a bold call for this week, replacing veteran Chad Townsend with 23-year-old Hugo Savala, who will make his first NRL start after three games off the bench. Victor Radley returns to his customary lock role, with Nat Butcher shifting to the front row to cover the loss of Lindsay Collins (MCL - six weeks). Mark Nawaqanitawase has been named 18th man and could come in for Dom Young if he passes a fitness test. The Roosters are desperate to find some spark — and fast — with just one win from five starts and a tough road trip to Suncorp, a venue where they've lost three of their past four.

Last meeting: Round 1 2025 - Roosters 14 Broncos 50

Who to watch: Xavier Willison was explosive off the bench for Brisbane last week, scoring a double in just 41 minutes. The young forward has emerged as a real X-factor and will look to continue his impact against a reshuffled Roosters pack.

All eyes will be on rookie Sydney halfback Hugo Savala as he steps into the starting role for the first time. With the Roosters' attack lacking fluency in recent weeks, the pressure is on the 23-year-old to spark some much-needed creativity and control.

Favourite: Although the Broncos haven't beaten the Roosters twice in a season since 2018, they enter this one as clear favourites.

My tip: The Broncos are purring with confidence and playing in front of a packed Suncorp crowd in their favourite Friday night slot. With Reynolds fit to play and the spine humming, they'll be tough to stop. The Roosters have made changes, but still look disjointed and under pressure. Expect Brisbane to make a statement. Broncos by 16.

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. Jaiyden Hunt 13. Kobe Hetherington 14. Billy Walters 15. Corey Jensen 16. Xavier Willison 17. Martin Taupau 18. Tyson Smoothy

1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Billy Smith 4. Robert Toia 5. Dominic Young 6. Sandon Smith 7. Hugo Savala 8. Nat Butcher 9. Connor Watson 10. Naufahu Whyte 11. Angus Crichton 12. Siua Wong 15. Salesi Foketi 14. Zach Dockar-Clay 13. Victor Radley 16. Blake Steep 17. Spencer Leniu 18. Mark Nawaqanitawase

Referees: Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Phil Henderson; Video Referees: Ashley Klein;