NRL, TODAY ROUND 14, BRISBANE BRONCOS v CRONULLA SHARKS

SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE

Broncos Aim to Bounce Back After Bye Week

With the bye last week, the Broncos haven’t played since Round 12, a match they’d likely rather forget after losing 34-36 to an undermanned Titans side at Suncorp Stadium. This week, their stars are expected to return after Origin.

Ezra Mam’s Milestone

In some more certain news, Ezra Mam will be playing his 50th NRL and Broncos game this weekend.

Sharks Seek Turnaround After Consecutive Losses

The Sharks head to Brisbane following two disappointing losses, needing a turnaround to recapture the form that brought them seven consecutive wins.

Defensive Struggles for Sharks

After conceding just 14 points per game in the first 10 rounds, the Sharks have allowed 106 points in their last three matches, losing the top spot on the ladder to Melbourne on points differential.

Fitzgibbon Rests Key Player Nicho Hynes

Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon has opted to rest key player Nicho Hynes after Origin One, giving Braydon Trindall and Daniel Atkinson the opportunity to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance against the Eels.

Key Broncos Players Return

Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Selwyn Cobbo will all be back in action after their key roles in Game One, while Tristan Sailor is set to take over fullback duties with Reece Walsh ruled out under concussion protocols.

Kotoni Staggs Boosts Broncos’ Line-up

Star center Kotoni Staggs returns from a rib injury, providing a boost for the Broncos, who narrowly lost to the Titans before their bye in Round 13.

Impact of Sua’ali’i’s Suspension

Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i’s four-week suspension for a reckless high tackle on Reece Walsh has opened the door for Staggs to return for the Blues. However, the star fullback will miss the next two games for the Broncos after entering the game’s concussion protocols.

Tristan Sailor to Step Up

The Broncos have named Tristan Sailor to fill in for the game against Cronulla after his earlier-than-expected return from ankle surgery.

Xavier Willison Out, Fletcher Baker In

Xavier Willison will miss the game due to the birth of his first child, with Fletcher Baker set to replace him.

Deine Mariner’s Rising Star

Having less than 20 games under his belt, Deine Mariner is slowly cementing his name as Brisbane’s go-to-winger.

Mariner’s Impressive Performance Against Titans

In the game against the Titans, Deine scored a try and had seven runs for 134 metres. When given the ball from his halves, Mariner can be especially dangerous in the corner.

Key Matchup Against Katoa and Mulitalo

This week, he will need to bring his A-game once again when facing Katoa and Mulitalo. Keeping them away from the try line will be key to winning the battle on the edges.

Team Line-ups

Sharks.

1. William Kennedy 2. Sione Katoa 3. Jesse Ramien 4. Kayal Iro,  5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Daniel Atkinson 7. Braydon Trindall 8. Thomas Hazelton,  9. Blayke Brailey 10. Oregon Kaufusi 11. Briton Nikora 12. Siosifa Talakai , 13. Cameron McInnes 14. Jack Williams 15. Toby Rudolf 16. Royce Hunt , 17. Tuku Hau Tapuha 18. Mawene Hiroti 19. Billy Burns

Broncos.  

23. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Selwyn Cobbo  5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters , 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan , 14. Tyson Smoothy 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski 19. Fletcher Baker,  21. Martin Taupau 22. Josiah Karapani

Officials

Referee, Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Drew Oultram, Damian Brady, Bunker, Peter Gough

Match Stats and Milestones

The Broncos have won nine of their past 11 games against the Sharks.

The Sharks have conceded 106 points in their past three games.

The Broncos have won five from seven at Suncorp Stadium in 2024.

Sharks winger Ronaldo Mulitalo will make his 100th NRL appearance.

Broncos winger Deine Mariner has scored five tries in his past five games.

Prediction.

The Sharks are a dangerous side and the Broncos will need to be on their game. I will go with the Broncos but I am expecting a tight contest.