FRIDAY,MARCH 28th,2024 SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE
Brisbane is facing a challenging period at the start of the year, grappling with injuries to arguably their three most influential players: Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Adam Reynolds. A real reshuffle is needed in Brisbane which will take some time getting used to with players starting out of position which causes defensive combinations to find their rhythm.
Strategic Adjustments: Brisbane’s Lineup Changes and Tactical Approaches
However the Broncos line up on Friday you can be sure that the Cowboys will attack the weaknesses and if the first three games are anything to go by, they will find some holes.
Opportunity Knocks: Cowboys Aim to Exploit Broncos’ Defensive Weaknesses
Brisbane exhibited vulnerability on their left side against the Panthers, prompting a potential reshuffle. This opens an opportunity for the Cowboys to target that edge, particularly benefiting Kyle Feldt, who has historically performed well against Brisbane, scoring two tries in their previous encounter.
Injury Woes Continue for Broncos Ahead of Clash with Undefeated Cowboys
The Broncos encountered a formidable challenge against the Panthers last weekend, compounded by the absence of Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas before the game, as well as Reece Walsh during it. Meanwhile, the Cowboys maintained their winning momentum, rebounding from a rough start to dominate the Dragons. The impending clash for Queensland supremacy is clouded by Brisbane’s persistent key injuries, offering the Cowboys a prime opportunity to capitalize.
Broncos Face Uphill Battle Against Undefeated Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium
Returning to Suncorp Stadium will provide a welcome boost for the Broncos, although they will be without their standout fullback Reece Walsh, who is recuperating from a facial fracture sustained in last week’s defeat to the Panthers. Coach Kevin Walters has chosen not to shift Selwyn Cobbo to fullback and instead has selected Tristan Sailor as Walsh’s replacement. Additionally, the return of captain Adam Reynolds from a knee injury strengthens the home side’s lineup. However, Brendan Piakura is sidelined with an ankle injury, paving the way for young talent Jaiyden Hunt to start in the back row. Corey Oates makes his first appearance of the year from the bench.
The Cowboys are the only undefeated team after three rounds – can they improve to 4-0 when they meet the injury-hit Broncos on Friday night at Suncorp?
It’s been the perfect launchpad to the season for the Cowboys, especially when you consider their slow start last year, which left them with too much work to do in order to reach the finals.
North Queensland have piled on the points, scoring 110 in victories over the Dolphins, Knights and Dragons.
Not the toughest draw though, it must be said, and the Cowboys’ defence hasn’t been anything to write home about either, leaking 24 points to the Dragons, 20 to the Knights and 18 vs the Dolphins.
Team line- Ups
Broncos.
1. Tristan Sailor 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Fletcher Baker 11. Jaiyden Hunt 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan. Bench. 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Corey Oates Reserves. 18. Benjamin Te Kura 19. Jock Madden 20. Delouise Hoeter 21. Martin Taupau 22. Jordan Pereira
Cowboys
1. Scott Drinkwater 2. Kyle Feldt 3. Valentine Holmes 4. Zac Laybutt 5. Murray Taulagi 6. Tom Dearden 7. Chad Townsend 8. Jordan McLean 9. Reece Robson 10. Jason Taumalolo 11. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 12. Jeremiah Nanai 13. Reuben Cotter. Bench. 14. Jake Granville 15. Griffin Neame 16. Sam McIntyre 17. Jack Gosiewski. Reserves. 18. Tomas Chester 19. Thomas Mikaele 20. Semi Valemei 21. Marly Bitungane 22. Jake Clifford
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Wyatt Raymond, Michael Wise, Bunker, Ashley Klein
Over 40.5 points has landed in the last five meetings
Cowboys have scored 110 points in their three games in 2024
Cowboys have also leaked 21+ points in their last two games
Broncos’ two defeats in 2024 have been by 10+ points
Kyle Feldt has scored eight tries in his last seven games vs Broncos
Jeremiah Nanai has scored a try in his last six games vs Queensland opponents
Deine Mariner has scored a try in his last four games
Prediction
Both sides can win this. Much depends on the fitness of Reynolds – if he’s good to go, the Broncos stand a chance, if he’s out then the Cowboys for me.
It was another slow start last week for the Cowboys, as they trailed 18-4 after just 20 minutes last week. The emphasis will be on starting fast and shoring up their defence against the Broncos. Historically these contests are high-scoring affairs, and when they’re on a roll the Cowboys know how to score points quickly. A lot of that comes off the back of their potent attacking outside backs, but it’s the playmaking of the spine that really allows the Cowboys to pick teams apart. Usually the accolades go to Tom Dearden and Scott Drinkwater, but Reece Robson has flown under the radar as an attacking threat around the ruck this year that makes the Cowboys even harder to cover. Watch out for the impact he makes in the middle against a weakened Broncos forward pack. I think the Cows can get home here.
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