The Brisbane Broncos, the NRL’s front-runners come up against the second-last placed Newcastle Knights in what should be a relatively easy game for the home side. Join The Roar from 7:30pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
Just five days ago the Broncos narrowly defeated an under-strength Melbourne Storm side despite conceding almost 70 per cent of possession. Brisbane barricaded their goal-line well, and made more than 100 tackles with 12 line drop outs. However, despite the large amounts of pressure conceded, the Broncos stood up well and ultimately deserved the victory.
Tonight the Knights will test that defence again as the weary Broncos look to maintain their lead at the top of the ladder.
The Knights have had a poor season so far in terms of results but have had their far share of misfortune. Last week’s loss highlights their season to date, falling agonisingly short against the Sharks.
The Newcastle side will be looking to focus on competing for the full 80-minutes like they did when they won the first four games of the campaign. Since then though, it’s been a plummet to the foot of the ladder, as they now struggle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Corey Parker’s return sees Sam Thaiday rested after a huge effort in defence last week.
The Knights will be missing forwards Kade Snowden (suspension) and Chris Houston (finger), with their places taken by Paterika Vaivai and Robbie Rochow.
Prediction
Despite losing Thaiday, the Broncos won’t shed any confidence without the big Prop Forward, as Corey Parker is a steady replacement. Keep an eye on the tussle between Jack Reed and Dane Gagai – both ball playing centres will be looking to help their teams in possession and both have potential game winning performances in them.
I expect the Broncos will have enough at home to win comfortably.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Yeah sorry. I meant retiring to Engerland. Semi-retirement. Seachange. Whatever you call it. I think Blair has been good for a few weeks. I don't know if it was a fitness thing at the beginning of the year or what but at least he is an NRL level option now. Have you heard anything about Gavet? He looked promising before he did, sh!t was that an Achilles too?
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Hindsights always 20/20. I for one believe it happened because Blair has turned up to play. Call it me superstitious but it seemed it happened after Blairs two best games all year. Ran for 150 or so and made 24 tackles. Dropped off a little after getting an accidental kick to the face but I was happy with him. Was great last week as well though he didn't crack the 100 metres he had some big strong runs and made 40+ tackles. I've heard he hasn't quite made up his mind yet but might make a move to Wigan in super league for a 3 year run around at seasons end rather than wait another year. I think it's still a little up in the air but I wouldn't be surprised if this were his last year at the Broncos. Depressed maybe, but not surprised.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Isn't Rugby League funny. You could have almost put money on a front row injury after they released Garbutt mid week. If he had his time again, I wonder would Wayne rest McGuire for one of the games as well. 3 games in 9 days is a lot. Especially as physical as they were. He will be a massive loss. But it is a great opportunity for the young guys. I would love to see Molo/Wallace step up. I think Klemmer has shown everyone that your only too young if you believe it. I have heard Hodges is definitely retiring at seasons end too. He will likely make an announcement after Origin 3. This could be why Broncos have held off resigning several players. Could be big news coming.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Don't know how we'll go without McGuire for the rest of the year but I'm more than happy with what I've seen so far. A 3 win advantage over 4th spot with 9 games remaining almost guarantees us a top 4 spot. It would take a pretty big stumble to miss out. While on the other foot Newcastle are just about treading water needing 5 wins from their last 9 games just to break even with last year.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Hahaha. Yeah I notice Muzz has been very quiet since declaring the Broncos certainties for the spoon after 1 game. Not that he was alone there.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Every time I look at the ladder I can't help but remember the sign from round one. "Good game rick. How'd wayne do?"
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
You are right. There were no forward passes from the Broncos last night that they didn't get pulled up on. The one from Milford to Gillett wasn't forward, it simply floated forward after being passed back.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I didn't have a problem with either really. They both probably travelled forward, but you look at the hands and the ball is behind them. I don't mind that as much. It is the deliberate ones out of dummy half that get me. And there are 40 of those in every game.
Jay C
Roar Guru
speaking of tidbits, did you watch the presser? "How do you feel about the Newcastle situation" "Glad I'm not there" Awesome. I would feel bad for them if they hadn't disrespected a club legend.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Interesting tidbit. Korbin Sims has scored a try in every game he's played against brisbane. I believe he is 4 tries from 4 games.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Sour grapes I say. Hope you're not a souths fan, they scored off the biggest forward pass in history last night.
chris n
Guest
joe tapine he has huge wraps on him that was his first game of nrl on the edge he is 19 has great footwork for a big man and shows good aggression.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I believe it was Wallace in 14. Very good prospect coming through and will probably be getting big minutes now that McGuire is gone for the season. He is a little prone to errors though something that's a big no no for a Bennett coached team. Needs to learn to stop leading with his ballcarrying arm as well. Who was the beastly second rower in the 16 for Newcastle? Didn't catch his name since I muted the volume to avoid Hadley's commentary.
Blind Referees Association
Guest
Matt Gillett was man of the match
Blind Referees Association
Guest
As Per usual Broncos get there standard 1 forward pass try allowed every week. Which never ever gets questioned by commentators or on footy shows afterwards and gets swept under the table. Geez how much rub of the green does one team get. You never see teams that not so profitable get these calls. Come on NRL, pull you heads in. How much shares do you receive for these broncos home matches. Well done guys A Win Win for NRL.
langerthebronco
Guest
Mamo reminds me of a player called Matt Sing.. Hope he develops into a good fullback. Bronco No14 is going good. I think he will develop into a very good prop.
Jay C
Roar Guru
That sucks for McGuire. Hopefully it isn't as serious as it appears. Broncos numba 1. 1500 bucks later and Oates is my new favorite person.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
Was Hodges named man of the match?
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
I honestly don't know about our premiership credentials with McGuire out for the season. Who replaces him? most of our forwards are too small other than Blair. Our only other big forward we had was Garbutt and we let him go to England. I guess Thaiday will slot into the front row now. Gee that was nervous when the score got to 26-22.
Shades Carter
Roar Rookie
That it wasn't a cricket score until virtually the end of the second half when Brisbane came back out with the form they began with.