JUNE 25th, 2023 BRISBANE BRONCOS v GOLD COAST TITANS
SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
In an eagerly anticipated NRL Round 17 encounter, the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans are set to ignite the Suncorp Stadium with their intense Queensland derby showdown. As the season reaches its midpoint, both teams are eager to secure vital points and showcase their prowess on the field.
The Brisbane Broncos have enjoyed a resurgence after a slight dip in form, reclaiming their position at the top of the NRL ladder. Successfully navigating through the demanding Origin period, they have emerged victorious in their last four matches, displaying remarkable resilience and determination. With their sights set on extending their winning streak, the Broncos are poised to put on a captivating performance against the inscrutable Gold Coast Titans.
This rivalry has seen the Broncos emerge triumphant in their last four encounters, including a commanding 43-26 victory over the Titans in Round 7 on the Gold Coast. Although the Titans showed promise in the first half, it was the Reece Walsh-led blitz in the second half that paved the way for the Broncos’ comfortable win. The Titans, however, are determined to turn the tide and exact revenge in this high-stakes clash.
The Broncos’ recent form has been nothing short of impressive. Following a hard-fought win over the Warriors in New Zealand, they carved out a super-impressive 20-10 victory against Cronulla, just three days after the first Origin match. In a thrilling showdown against Newcastle, the Broncos displayed their mettle and overcame a formidable challenge, securing a nail-biting 24-20 victory. With their star-studded Origin contingent set to back up, along with the return of key players like Payne Haas and Selwyn Cobbo, the Broncos are a force to be reckoned with.
On the other side of the field, the Gold Coast Titans have had a mixed bag of results in recent weeks. Snapping a three-game losing streak, they bounced back with a commanding 28-12 home win over the Wests Tigers in Round 15. However, inconsistency has plagued the Titans, and they find themselves facing a challenging run home, with seven matches against the current Top 8 teams. The Titans boast an impressive attack, ranking fifth in the NRL, but their defensive record leaves much to be desired, standing as the third-worst in the competition.
To secure victory against the Broncos, the Titans must draw upon their early-season successes. They need to replicate their strong performances in the forward battle and maintain the intensity throughout the entire 80 minutes. As demonstrated in their previous encounters, the Titans have shown glimpses of brilliance but have struggled to hold onto their leads in the second half. Completing their sets efficiently and focusing on possession will be crucial for them to spring an upset against the Broncos.
Both teams will field strong lineups, with the Broncos’ Origin stars expected to back up and Cobbo returning from injury. The absence of Kurt Capewell due to a quad tendon injury will be a blow for the Broncos, but they possess depth and quality in players like Brendan Piakura. The Titans welcome back Kieran Foran after a month-long absence due to a toe injury, providing a much-needed boost to their attacking prowess. With David Fifita, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, and Moeaki Fotuaika also set to back up from Origin, the Titans have a formidable lineup ready to face the Broncos.
This Wednesday’s Suncorp Stadium blockbuster holds immense significance, particularly for the Titans, who face injury concerns and possible withdrawals. It will be a stern test for their defense, trying to contain the Broncos’ potent attacking arsenal. The Broncos, eyeing the minor premiership, are determined to make a statement and maintain their winning momentum.
The highly anticipated clash between the Brisbane Broncos and Gold Coast Titans in NRL Round 17 promises a captivating showdown between these Queensland rivals. With the Broncos riding high on a winning streak and the Titans hungry for redemption, the stage is set for an exhilarating encounter. Don’t miss out on witnessing the fireworks as these teams battle it out for supremacy on the field.
Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Corey Jensen 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Martin Taupau 18. Jesse Arthars 19. Keenan Palasia 20. Deine Mariner 21. Xavier Willison 22. Jock Madden 23. Tristan Sailor 24. Cory Paix
Titans team: 1. AJ Brimson 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Aaron Schoupp 5. Phillip Sami 6. Kieran Foran 7. Tanah Boyd 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui 11. David Fifita 12. Joe Stimson 13. Isaac Liu 14. Jayden Campbell 15. Erin Clark 16. Jaimin Jolliffe 17. Klese Haas 18. Chris Randall 19. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 20. Jojo Fifita 21. Kruise Leeming 22. Jo Vuna 23. Keano Kini 24. Ken Maumalo
Referees: Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Darian Furner, Jarrod Cole; Video Referees: Kasey Badger;
PREDICTION
On paper the Broncos should be too good here ,but the Titans will be out to prove to their neighbours they are no easy beats. With their coach, Justin Holbrook sacked this week, and replaced by Des Hasler, they would like to make a good impression. The Broncos need to be weary and on their game so Reynolds and Walsh will step up I am sure. Broncos by 7 points.
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