The Brisbane Broncos travel to Mt Smart Stadium for their Saturday evening clash with the New Zealand Warriors, with the Round 15 clash kicking off at 5:30pm (AEST).
The last meeting between the two clubs came in Round 16 of last year, with the Warriors snatching an 18 to 16 victory after some late minute heroics from centre Konrad Hurrell.
Fresh from Origin on Wednesday night, Matt Gillett and Sam Thaiday are expected to back up on Saturday, while centre Justin Hodges failed to travel with the side on Thursday and will be rested this week.
Injuries to Andrew Mccullough and Corey Parker will also see them miss Saturday’s clash.
For the Warriors, back-rower Ben Matulino is out, after picking up a knee injury in the club’s last match against the Rabbitohs.
Brisbane will enter Saturday’s match in a great run of form after reeling off four straight wins. The Warriors meanwhile had recorded four wins from five, until a late collapse against the Rabbitohs in Round 13 cost them a spot in the top eight.
Ben Hunt’s week in the Queensland Origin camp would have certainly given him some extra confidence this week and he’ll be eager to help lead his Broncos side to their first victory in Auckland since 2009.
For the Warriors to win on Saturday, they’ll need to address their suspect defence which has looked paper thin at times this season. Coach Andrew McFadden would have emphasised that point this week after his side leaked through 28 points in the final 23 minutes against the Rabbitohs.
With both sides employing an exciting brand of football, Saturday’s match is shaping up to be another thrilling contest at Mt Smart Stadium.
Kick-off: Saturday 21st June, 5.30pm AEST
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium
Last Meeting: Warriors 18 def Broncos 16, R16 2013
Referee: Jared Maxwell, Dave Munro
Head-to-head: Warriors 5 wins, Broncos 5 wins (last 10 meetings)
Betting: Warriors $1.55, Broncos $2.40
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the Warriors vs Broncos clash from 5:30pm (AEST).
Scrubbit
Guest
The current bye system is pretty silly. Basically you've got a 50/50 chance of A: playing without your star players or B: playing your star players within possibly 48 hours of playing origin.
Xman
Guest
The Warriors get the broncos on Saturday in Auckland after Qld play SOO2 on Wednesday night travel Thursday to Brisbane and then fly Friday to Auckland to play Saturday. And dont tell me the draw isnt weighted - they didnt get to play at home or even in Australia - imagine if SOO3 had been a decider the strain on Qlders is tremendous