The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos have both had a rough trot in 2016 and will be looking to get things back on track at Allianz Stadium. Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEST) for live coverage.
The Roosters have been warming up well in recent weeks, with vastly improved performances despite losing three games in a row.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has not been named, which sees Isaac Liu return to the front row, Chris Smith come onto an extended bench, and Dale Copley move into the centres.
The likes of Dylan Napa and Boyd Cordner need to fill the void left by the former Kiwi international, who has struggled to emulate his form of previous years.
A strong foundation will be crucial for the boys from Bondi, especially considering they are coming up against a strong, experienced forward pack at the Broncos.
Brisbane too are missing some size, with Josh McGuire and Sam Thaiday both suspended in last week’s 31-12 loss to the Panthers, while Matt Gillett has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Jaydn Su’A comes into the starting side, while Herman Ese’ese moves onto the bench in an attempt to conjure up something special.
After an electric start to 2016, Anthony Milford has been lacking. ‘The Milf’, as he is affectionately known, must bring back the spark in attack that helped lead his team to the grand final in 2015.
In 31 meetings since 1998, the Broncos have won 17 times, while Easts have come out on top in 14 meetings.
Last time they met, Wayne Bennett’s side moved through to the grand final with a 31-12 victory in last year’s preliminary finals.
Prediction
Brisbane will secure a tight win and get their season back on track.
Broncos by 6.
Join The Roar from 7:50pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
You can find Riley on Twitter @rileypettigrew
Josh
Guest
Thanks Richard that is true. Also this site is better than most other sporting forums. You can have your say with only a moderate flogging. Have a good one mate
Josh
Guest
We still have to disagree but I am sure we can both live with that. The decision does not take away from the Broncos performance. They have been dreadful for the last 9 games and the previous game in particular was like watching a horror movie. It is no excuse for their performance I just did not agree with the decision.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Have you stopped taking your medication again Alex ?
planko
Guest
Alex more like 40 to 50 minutes on a train and significant walk at the end.
Clinen
Guest
Half an hour by train? In Sydney? You're dreaming! Lol
Paul Zeke
Guest
The so called double movement. The worst decision ever produced by a referee. They don't understand the rules. I see Vossy, true to his word walked out of the commentary box
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Well, it'd be a bit of pocket money and I'd get to watch the NRL on all the best camera angles... could spend a few hours a week worse, shame I live in the wrong state...
Ian
Guest
I would argue momentum carried him into the in-goal area but with his arm 0.5m in the air, but he then had to reach down to ground the ball and that was not momentum. Therefore I think the decision was fine. (Having said that I think double movement is a stupid rule. A player gets over the line and can do just about anything for about 30 seconds to score. But get grounded 1 cm short of the line and they can't move. I'd say if you get close enough to score you should be able to have a go).
Adrian Sharkey
Guest
Rabbitohs games are very entertaining, if you enjoy watching the Burgess brothers knock on.
JVGO
Guest
I would have been pretty pissed if that Brisbane try had been given. I thought Holmes's try had way more momentum in it than that one. That said I think both should have been tries.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
1. The disallowed try was correct. 2. The bunker can't rule on forward passes. 3. Shark Park to the SFS literally takes about half an hour on a train, Townsville to Brisbane takes 2 hours by PLANE!
steveng
Roar Rookie
The Broncs wouldn't have won this game irrespective if they would have got that decision for a try. Technically it was a double movement and that is why the bunker gave it so, if we ant to have a bunker than these are the sorts of decisions that they will make, including the Burgess one for Souths last Monday. .
Sam
Guest
Probably because the best stadium within 500km of townsville is 1300smiles stadium. These 1 team towns having a final at home. Shocking! It is what 20kms as the crow flies from shark park to allianz. Just deal with it. Everyone has known for how many years that this is how it is
V.O.R.
Guest
you should get a job in the Bunker
Josh
Guest
Vossy said he has a beautiful name, which might be a bit too much. However, Jai means "heart" in Thailand. Jai Dee is good heart and Jai Yen is calm heart
Josh
Guest
Copley owned Roberts the whole match. Good luck to him
Josh
Guest
I disagree with you most of the time Dean but I cannot argue with that comment. Sad to say they were even worse last week. They need some sort of miracle and to be honest I don't feel they deserve it.
Richard Maybury
Guest
At this rate we could end the season with the Broncos out of the Eight. Wouldn't that be something ?
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
Hard to argue with you there. What an effort!
Josh
Guest
Me too, I love the Broncos but they look awful in the second half of the season. Lethargic, disinterested and unhappy. The last two weeks has been some of the worst I have seen them play. Well done to the Roosters though. Phil Gould said they have lost 8 by 4 points or less. They could have easily been there. I felt sorry for them this year. There was a media frenzy over the SKD and Pearce incidents which I felt were way over the top and they aren't my favourite team. Also they have copped their share of pedantic officials calls on the field. Good luck to them.