FRIDAY, JULY 5th, 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE
Panthers vs Broncos Preview: Grand Final Rematch in Round 18
The two 2023 grand finalists meet again in Round 18, both eager to bounce back from disappointing defeats.
The Panthers and Broncos approach this grand final rematch after suffering losses in Round 17, as both Kevin Walters and Ivan Cleary chose to rest several of their Origin stars.
Despite a 32-16 loss to the Warriors on Saturday, Walters was proud of his side’s defensive effort. He will gladly welcome back Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, and Patrick Carrigan for the heavyweight clash.
Team Changes: Oates Returns, Staggs Absent for Broncos
The Origin period has begun to take its toll on the Broncos, with their losing streak dropping them outside the top eight. They’ve had two byes in that period, which hasn’t helped with finding consistency in their form. With their Origin stars back and well-rested, they should be back to their best at home.
Broncos’ Strategy Against Panthers: Relying on Second Phase Play and Speed
However, a tough task awaits, as the Panthers boast the best defense in the competition. If the Broncos are going to rattle the premiers, it’ll need to come off the back of second phase play and the speed of Walsh and Ezra Mam, much like we saw in the grand final last year.
Kotani Staggs is set to sit out due to personal reasons, returning to his Wellington home town to attend a funeral after a friend’s passing.
Corey Oates is set to return on the wing, with Deine Mariner replacing Staggs in the centres.
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Corey Oates 3. Deine Mariner 4. Selwyn Cobbo 5. Jesse Arthars , 6. Ezra Mam 7. Jock Madden 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura , 12. Kobe Hetherington 13. Patrick Carrigan , 14. Tyson Smoothy 15. Xavier Willison , 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau , 18. Tristan Sailor 19. Joshua Rogers 20. Cory Paix , 21. Blake Mozer 22. Kotoni Staggs
Cleary’s Concern: Panthers Aim to Regain Winning Form
Coach Cleary, meanwhile, described his side’s performance as “like baking a cake with no icing” after they fell to the Cowboys, showing an uncharacteristic attacking display from the premiers.
Penrith will also welcome back four of their Origin stars as they aim to close the gap on the ladder leaders, following Melbourne’s four-point lead.
Following a surprising defeat to an understrength Cowboys last week, the Panthers find themselves four points behind the Storm in the race for the minor premiership. Ivan Cleary, who described the performance as “making a cake without icing,” will be relieved to have all his Origin stars back in the line-up, bringing their full strength back to the team.
The combination of Edwards and To’o will significantly boost the team’s yardage out of the backfield, a crucial factor at Suncorp. Despite facing a hostile crowd this week, the Panthers will be confident of achieving victory, having won seven of their last eight games against the Broncos, including last year’s grand final.
Panthers.
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Jarome Luai 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Scott Sorensen, 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo , 14. Daine Laurie 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry , 17. Matt Eisenhuth, 18. Brad Schneider 19. Luron Patea 20. Trent Toelau 21. Casey McLean , 22. Luke Sommerton.
Referee. Grant Atkins, Touch Judges, Phil Henderson, Jarrod Cole, Bunker, Gerard Sutton.
The Broncos have not defeated the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium since 2019.
The Panthers have won seven of their last eight games against the Broncos.
The Broncos have lost three of their last four games at Suncorp Stadium.
Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny has scored in each of his last two games against the Broncos.
Broncos fullback Reece Walsh has yet to win against the Panthers, losing all six encounters.
Prediction.
The Broncos will look to end a run of four defeats on the trot when they host the second-placed Panthers on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane have suffered defeats against the Titans (two points), Sharks (10 points), Rabbitohs (10 points), & most recently the Warriors (16 points). This poor run of form has seen them drop outside of the top eight with a slowly declining points differential.
Elsewhere, Penrith will be looking to return to the winner’s circle after falling 10 points short against the North Queensland Cowboys despite playing at home.
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