SATURDAY,JULY 13th, 2024 7:35 pm SUNCORP STADIUM, BRISBANE
Dragons Seek Redemption after Top Eight Slip
The Dragons dropped out of the top eight after their loss to the Roosters and now head to Brisbane to face a desperate Broncos team searching for the form that took them to last year’s final.
Origin Absences Impact Both Teams
Both teams will be weakened by the absence of Origin stars, with the Dragons missing Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax, while the Broncos will be without Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Reece Walsh.
Broncos’ Injury Woes Continue with Madden’s Setback
A hamstring injury to halfback Jock Madden has further complicated matters for the Broncos, who have dropped five consecutive games, plummeting from fifth on the ladder after Round 11 to 11th heading into Round 19.
Broncos Look to Key Returns Against Dragons
However, they could receive a boost this weekend with the potential return of Kotoni Staggs and Jordan Riki. Meanwhile, Jack Bird looks set to rejoin the Red V after making a comeback from an ankle injury in the NSW Cup on Sunday.
Dragons’ Playoff Aspirations Hang in the Balance
With matches against the Panthers and Storm following their Round 20 bye, it’s imperative for the Dragons to secure a win at Suncorp Stadium to stay in contention for the top eight and maintain a realistic shot at their first finals berth since 2018.
Broncos’ Line up Adjustments for Crucial Clash
For the Broncos, Tristan Sailor and Tyson Smoothy join the starting lineup, with Xavier Willison moving to prop to cover for the absent Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, and Payne Haas. Kotoni Staggs returns from personal leave to partner with Deine Mariner in the centres, as Selwyn Cobbo is on Origin duty. The hamstring injury to Jock Madden sees Josh Rogers take over at halfback, while Jordan Riki returns from suspension in the back row. Blake Mozer is the new addition to the bench.
Broncos
1. Tristan Sailor 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Deine Mariner 5. Jesse Arthars , 6. Ezra Mam 7. Joshua Rogers 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Xavier Willison, 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jordan Riki 13. Tyson Smoothy , 14. Blake Mozer 15. Kobe Hetherington , 16. Josiah Karapani 17. Martin Taupau, 18. Vaa Semu 19. Cory Paix 20. Israel Leota
Dragons’ Tactical Changes Against Broncos
For the Dragons, Mikaele Ravalawa returns to the wing, replacing Blues representative Zac Lomax, while Jesse Marschke takes over at halfback for Maroons representative Ben Hunt. Raymond Faitala-Mariner returns after missing last week’s game due to back spasms, with Luciano Leilua moving to the bench alongside Toby Couchman, Ben Murdoch-Masila, and Hame Sele, who is back from a shoulder injury. Jack Bird is listed as the 18th man after making his comeback from an ankle injury in the NSW Cup last week.
Dragons
1. Tyrell Sloan 2. Christian Tuipulotu 3. Moses Suli 4. Max Feagai 5. Mikaele Ravalawa , 6. Kyle Flanagan 7. Jesse Marschke 8. Francis Molo 9. Jacob Liddle 10. Jack de Belin , 11. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 12. Jaydn Su’A 13. Tom Eisenhuth, 14. Hame Sele 15. Luciano Leilua , 16. Toby Couchman 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila , 18. Jack Bird 19. Savelio Tamale 20. Fa’amanu Brown 21. Ryan Couchman 22. Michael Molo
Referee. Liam Kennedy, Touch Judges, Matt Noyen, Jon Stone, Bunker, Gerard Sutton
Key Match Facts
The Broncos have won only one of their last five games at Suncorp Stadium.
The Dragons have won six of their last eight games against the Broncos.
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored five tries in his last four games against the Dragons.
The Dragons have won only one of their last 11 games without Ben Hunt.
The Broncos have averaged fewer than 12 points per game since Round 14.
Prediction.
The Broncos put up a decent fight last week before ultimately falling to the Panthers, while the Dragons were thumped by the Roosters. Both teams will lose key players to Origin for this clash, making it challenging for the Dragons to win in Brisbane without Ben Hunt. However, given the Broncos’ recent struggles, this game could go either way.
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