Expert
The Brisbane Broncos host the defending premiers Manly Sea Eagles tonight in a blockbuster clash at Suncorp Stadium. Will the Broncos return to the winners circle at the annual Suncorp Stadium double header? Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.00pm AEST.
Brisbane are now 7-2 after going down to the Warriors last weekend. In a brutal match across the ditch, the Broncos were outplayed after losing Peter Wallace early in the contest.
Ben Hunt’s selection at 7 means plenty of pressure for boom rookie, Corey Norman. The young five-eight toiled last weekend but struggled with the added pressure of steering the ship.
Manly might be without Keiran Foran, but the Eagles cover his loss far easier than the Broncos cover Wallace’s absence.
Brisbane superstar Justin Hodges is in serious doubt with a foot injury. If he is ruled out, Michael Gillett will move to the centres. Captain Sam Thaiday was reportedly in doubt with a rib injury, but will take his place in the backrow.
The Sea Eagles were lucky last weekend to take the two points from a gallant Canberra side who fought to the final whistle at Brookvale Oval. Manly wont be that bad again tonight, so expect a very different side tonight.
Both sides boast two of the best forward packs in the game and you get the feeling these Manly forwards have a point to prove against these Broncos from Brisbane.
The battle up front is a mouth watering prospect with two very experienced engine rooms going against each other. The contest between Ben Hannant and Petero Civoneciva against Brent Kite and Jason King will go along way to determining tonights winner.
Brisbane’s ability to shut Daly Cherry-Evans is their true test tonight. The young Queenslander returns to his home state with the mission of handing the Broncos their third loss of the season.
Prediction: Eagles by 6.
Can the Broncos bring down the Eagles or will Manly show why they are indeed the defending premiers? Find out from 7.00pm AEST as we cover the action with live scores and commentary and if you’re watching or following along, leave us a comment in the space below.