SUNDAY MAY 26th 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM BRISBANE
Broncos Aim for Third Consecutive Victory
The Brisbane Broncos are aiming for a third consecutive victory as they gear up to take on the Gold Coast Titans in the South-East Queensland derby.
Kevin Walters’ side will play a rare Sunday afternoon game at Suncorp Stadium as they look to build on last week’s win over Manly.
The clash will also serve as the last chance for players from both teams to stake their claim for State of Origin selection before squads are announced after round 12.
Key Players Return for Broncos
Brisbane is likely to welcome back Reece Walsh from a knee injury that sidelined him for Magic Round. Coach Walters is optimistic that Payne Haas will be fit to play after suffering a lower leg injury last weekend.
Selwyn Cobbo was impressive at full-back last weekend, demonstrating a calm demeanor under high-ball attacks from Manly. However, with the return of star player Reece Walsh, Cobbo will shift his excellent form to the centres.
Billy Walters will also strengthen the Broncos on Sunday as he returns from a wrist injury. Kotoni Staggs will miss the game due to a rib injury, while last week’s debutant Josiah Karapani will continue to play after a solid NRL debut.
Sibling Rivalry: Haas Brothers Face Off
In Payne Haas case, it is big brother versus little brother, and he ready’s himself to take it to Klese Haas on Sunday.
Titans Seek Redemption After Close Loss
The Titans are aiming to bounce back after a four-point loss to the Knights last Saturday.
Veteran halfback Kieran Foran is likely to return from a hamstring injury for the Gold Coast, with Jayden Campbell also expected to be in contention.
Missing 67 tackles during the game last week against Newcastle is hopefully the place Hassler will focus on.
LATE MAIL. Jojo Fifita has been ruled out for the Titans with a pectoral injury.
Brian Kelly has been finding form and causing trouble out wide. He opened up plenty of opportunities for the Titans, getting denied a try in the game after a Bunker review showed a loss of control.
Bunker Controversy Looms Over NRL
Oh the Bunker, What a disaster that is. With the Blind Badger in the bunker this week, lets hope she stays awake long enough to get at least one decision right. That would be a new record.
Again last night we saw two hip drop tackles in the Cowboys/Tigers game. Val Holmes got sin binned for his tackle. David Kleemer got nothing for his tackle.
Exactly the same tackle, but different decisions. Belinda Sharpe as referee, and Matt Noyen in the bunker, making a cup of tea I suppose. I can see the issues on my tv, the commentators can all see the issue in commentary, but these officials with all their technology in the bunker can not see much at all. Scrap the Bunker.
What about consistency? No wonder the fans are confused.
Team Line-ups
BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Josiah Karapani 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 15. Xavier Willison 16. Kobe Hetherington 17. Jack Gosiewski 18. Joshua Rogers 19. Fletcher Baker 20. Blake Mozer 21. Martin Taupau 22. Jaiyden Hunt
TITANS
1. Keano Kini 2. Alofiana Khan-Pereira 3. Brian Kelly 4. Jojo Fifita 5. Tony Francis 6. Chris Randall 7. Thomas Weaver 8. Moeaki Fotuaika 9. Sam Verrills 10. Josiah Pahulu 11. David Fifita 12. Beau Fermor 13. Klese Haas 14. Keenan Palasia 15. Isaac Liu 16. Erin Clark 17. Joe Stimson 18. Jacob Alick-wiencke 19. Kieran Foran 20. Iszac Fa’asumaleaui 21. Arama Hau 22. Jaylan De Groot
Referees: Peter Gough, Touch Judges: Damian Brady, Michael Wise Bunker: The Blind Badger.
Statistics to Watch
The Broncos have won four of their past five games against the Titans.
The Titans’ last four losses have been by four points or less.
The Broncos have won seven of their past eight games at Suncorp Stadium.
Titans winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has scored seven tries in his past four games.
Broncos winger Deine Mariner has scored 14 tries in his past 13 games.
Prediction
This game will not be a walk over for the Broncos. With the Titans looking better each week ,they are a real threat. Both sides have weapons all over the park, so lets hope everyone remains injury free, especially the Origin hopefuls.
I will back the home side here, the Broncos.
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