In many ways, the Dragons facing the Broncos has always been a grudge match. But with Ben Hunt playing in the halves for the Dragons, Round 1 of 2018 makes the opening match of this season extra special.
St George Illawarra have had a typical preseason, winning their World Club Series match, before suffering a sixth consecutive loss to Souths in the Charity Shield.
The only obvious result of the trials will be the selection of Matt Dufty at fullback.
Brisbane’s squad were really tested in last weekend’s game against the Papua New Guinea Hunters, where after an uncharacteristically uninterested performance they were behind at halftime, before doing enough in the second stanza to win.
Matt Lodge put a strong case for his selection as starting prop, while Jamayne Isaako staking a claim for Corey Oates’ apparently vacant wing position.
In terms of next week’s clash, the Dragons are slight favourites according to the bookies, and have the home advantage. They also have the edge in the forwards with the addition of James Graham to an already strong pack.
As for Hunt, he may be seeking revenge for his demotion to reserve grade by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett. The halfback has been quiet to date, but Jason Nightingale said the Origin player provided improved ball to his wing in the Charity Shield.
Bennett has injury concerns over hooker Andrew McCullough and fullback Darius Boyd, who have made no appearance in the trials. New centre Jack Bird will also miss the first month of the competition. The coach will be relying on good performances from the ever-enthusiastic Kodi Nikorima, and Anthony Milford, who is recovering from injury and only played part of the match against the Hunters.
I am tipping the Dragons to thoroughly test out the Broncos’ halves and dominate the forward battle, leading to victory.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Dragons definitely have had the better preparation leading up to Round 1 by having their full team play a game against the Rabbitohs. I still haven't seen the full Broncos team play yet and a couple of injuries to key player like McCullough and Bird I think tips the scales in the Dragons favour. That said Bennetts Broncos teams are always pretty well prepared in the off-season and they beat the premiers the Sharks on their home ground in the opening round last year. Dragons also started well with a sound thrashing of the Panthers in their opening game last year...so I guess the bookies have it right favouring the Dragons slightly. Can't wait to watch this match.
KenW
Guest
Should be an interesting match. The Broncos aren't full-strength but who knows what to expect out of round 1? The only round more difficult to pick is round 2 (although round 3 ain't easy, and 4-26 is pretty hard too). So, clearly the Dragons by 20 then. I think they were holding something back last week as they did last year in the Shield.
Nat
Roar Guru
I'd like to say I wish you well Walter but that may come in Rd2. Nightingale is a proven performer nearly doubling all other Saints try scorers and Hunt will only add to that. I am impressed to see using McDonald and his size more often because if the Saints are going to be successful it has to come from more than Widdop/Nightingale show. Never read too much into trial form which benefits St George as, IMO, they were pretty poor in both games while fielding a mostly 1st grade team. The upside is your team has now played a few times together where the Broncos haven't (and won't) field their best 17 until Rd 4. Still think the Broncos get over the line in Rd 1.