MARCH 14th, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE
Broncos and Rabbitohs Prepare for Round 2 Showdown
The Broncos and Rabbitohs, both teams from Las Vegas, suffered defeats in Round 1. They aim to showcase their finest performance as they face off at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
Challenges in Round 1: Errors and Penalties
Despite being favoured to win their initial matches, both teams were let down by their performance, with Brisbane committing 15 errors and the Bunnies conceding five costly penalties.
Injury Update for Broncos
The Broncos were forced to reshuffle their pack and rotation when Brendan Piakura was ruled out of the match after failing his HIA. He is set to return this week.
Despite picking up a knee knock in Round 1, skipper Adam Reynolds is confident about his availability for Thursday’s game at this point.
Rabbitohs Injury and Suspension Concerns
The Rabbitohs returned from Vegas with a clean bill of health. Jai Arrow was charged for a Crusher Tackle and accepted a $1000 fine, freeing him up to return to Queensland to face Brisbane. How ever since then, the key forward is set for at least a four week side line stint after suffering a rotater cuff injury. Should a surgeon deem he needs surgery to fix the issue, the Queensland forward won’t take the field for the remainder of the 2024 season
Star recruit Jack Wighton has one more game to serve on his suspension and will make his club debut in Round 3, while Campbell Graham will sit out for an extended period with a sternum injury.
Head-to-Head and Milestones: Broncos vs. Rabbitohs
The Broncos have won three of their past four games against the Rabbitohs.
The Rabbitohs have won their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored six tries in seven games against the Rabbitohs.
Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell requires one try to reach a century of NRL tries.
Broncos centre Selwyn Cobbo has scored 20 tries in his past 18 games at Suncorp Stadium
Team Line-ups
BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Jesse Arthars, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Kotoni Staggs, 5. Deine Mariner, 6. Ezra Mam, 7. Adam Reynolds, 8. Corey Jensen, 9. Billy Walters, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Brendan Piakura, 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Tyson Smoothy, 15. Fletcher Baker, 16. Kobe Hetherington, 17. Marty Taupau, 18. Corey Oates, 19. Xavier Willison, 20. Tristan Sailor, 21. Jock Madden, 22. Jaiyden Hunt
RABBITOHS
1. Latrell Mitchell, 2. Alex Johnston, 3. Isaiah Tass, 4. Richard Kennar, 5. Jacob Gagai , 6. Cody Walker, 7. Lachlan Ilias, 8. Tevita Tatola, 9. Damien Cook, 10. Sean Keppie, 11. Keaon Koloamatangi, 12. Tallis Duncan, 13. Cameron Murray, 14. Siliva Havili, 15. Davvy Moale, 16. Shaquai Mitchell, 17. Thomas Burgess, 18. Michael Chee Kam, 19. Taane Milne, 20. Jye Gray, 21. Peter Mamouzelos 24. Dean Hawkins
Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Senior Review Official: Adam Gee
PREDICTION
I can not go past the Broncos, OK firstly I am a Queenslander, but also because I think they are the better team. They can not afford to just turn up and expect to win. They have to earn it. There could be a swag of points in this one, over 40 I reckon. Both sides have attack galore, but both also have defence issues. The Broncos defence wasn’t as strong as previous seasons either in Vegas, missing 36 tackles and allowing 4 line breaks. Their usual sweep movements down the field were halted with sideways movements; Walsh was running himself out of room.
The Rabbitohs were their own worst enemy in their match, making mistakes at key stages and halting their momentum. Despite scoring 5 tries, they still conceded 6, missing 31 tackles and allowing 7 line breaks. They are a better team than their 35-24 score suggests but will find a similar outcome should they not change their execution ahead of this game. Their forwards are key to their success and they will need to focus on speeding up their ruck speed if they wish to catch the Broncos on the back foot. So who ever fixes the problems first will win. Look for a points start.
Comments