Broncos v Warriors preview

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Brisbane Broncos v Warriors Saturday 3:00pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Saturday's afternoon clash at Suncorp Stadium offers an intriguing battle between two of the competition's top five teams—and a rare chance for either side to take the lead in their tightly contested head-to-head history. 

Since 1998, the Broncos and Warriors have faced off 45 times, with both sides winning 22 apiece and sharing the spoils once. The Warriors may have had the better of the recent matchups, winning their last two meetings (both in New Zealand), but Brisbane has been near-impossible to beat at home of late. With both clubs pushing for a top-four finish, this one shapes as a potential finals preview.

The Broncos head into Saturday's clash on the back of two impressive wins, including last Sunday's pulsating 34-28 comeback over the Sharks. After trailing 22-12 at the break, Brisbane exploded in the second half, crossing for four tries to turn the tide in front of a vocal Suncorp crowd. It was an emphatic statement from a side that's been hovering around the middle of the ladder, with attacking flair and defensive grit finally aligning. Reece Walsh looked electric once again, while the forward pack, led by Payne Haas, laid the platform for the late-game surge.

Coach Michael Maguire has opted for continuity, naming an unchanged 17 to face the Warriors. Josiah Karapani will be one to watch—his recent try-scoring form at Suncorp has added a spark to Brisbane's right edge. Meanwhile, Gehamat Shibasaki has also found the stripe with regularity, scoring five tries in his last four outings. With the side starting to build confidence and combinations, and the knowledge they haven't lost to the Warriors at Suncorp since 2018, the Broncos will be determined to narrow the six-point gap separating them from the top four.

The Warriors, meanwhile, are looking to rebound after a disappointing 28-18 home loss to an Origin-weakened Penrith outfit. It marked their second straight defeat in Auckland, a rare dip in form for a side that has been one of the most consistent throughout the 2025 season. Despite the result, there were still moments of promise—particularly in the way their forward rotation held its own—but lapses in execution and missed opportunities proved costly against a well-drilled Panthers side. With a 10-4 record, Andrew Webster's men still sit comfortably in fourth, but they'll be desperate to stop the slide.

Fortunately for the Warriors, their away form tells a very different story. They've won five of six games in Australia this season and are undefeated at Suncorp Stadium in 2025, having beaten both the Dolphins and the Cowboys at the same venue during Magic Round. The return of Kurt Capewell adds Origin-calibre steel to their second row, while Rocco Berry's return from injury strengthens their backline. Edward Kosi replaces the injured Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on the wing, offering power and finishing ability on the edge. Chanel Harris-Tavita, who continues to form a stable halves pairing with Luke Metcalf, will be crucial in ensuring the Warriors' kicking game and game management are on point against a fast-finishing Brisbane outfit.

Last meeting: Round 7 2025 - Warriors 20 Broncos 18

Who to watch: 
For the Broncos, Gehamat Shibasaki is enjoying a rich vein of form with five tries in his last four appearances. His combination with Reece Walsh on the edge has developed nicely and could cause real problems for the Warriors' left-side defence.

For the Warriors, Chanel Harris-Tavita is central to their fortunes. With his halves partnership with Luke Metcalf nearing 1100 minutes this season, Harris-Tavita's game control and ability to take on the line will be key in dictating terms, particularly in the back end of each half.

Favourite: The Broncos are slight favourites, buoyed by recent home form and the Warriors' stumble last week.

My tip: Dis match is shaping up as a cracking contest between two clubs jostling for a top-four finish. Brisbane will be confident on their home turf, but the Warriors' outstanding away record and more settled combinations might give them the edge in a tight one. Warriors by 4.

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

1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Edward Kosi 3. Adam Pompey 4. Rocco Berry 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita 7. Luke Metcalf 8. James Fisher-Harris 9. Wayde Egan 10. Marata Niukore 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jacob Laban 13. Erin Clark 14. Te Maire Martin 15. Jackson Ford 16. Demitric Vaimauga 17. Leka Halasima 18. Tanner Stowers-Smith 20. Tanah Boyd 21. Samuel Healey 22. Bunty Afoa 23. Taine Tuaupiki

Referees: Adam Gee; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Belinda Sharpe; Video Referees: Grant Atkins;