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The Brisbane Broncos are looking to bounce back from a last-start loss when they host the high-flying Sydney Roosters. Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
The Broncos fell victim to Manly last week, in an upset 38-24 win.
Wayne Bennett is still struggling to find the perfect halves combination, with Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima refusing to gel, both favouring their running game as opposed to taking on the responsibility of organising structure in the Broncos’ attack.
Despite losing, the Queensland club respond well to adversity and certainly won’t be out of the fight. While it will be a tough slog against the in-form Roosters, the Broncos have the experience required to challenge the opposition.
As for the Roosters, they displayed their strength through the middle of the park last week, while Cooper Cronk helped to lay the platform in their 32-0 shutout of the Warriors in Auckland.
While the Tricolours showed their ability to dominate up front, they still have room to improve in creating attacking structure. Despite some glimpses of brilliance by James Tedesco and Cronk last week, they have relied largely on their defensive efforts to get them over the line. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Dylan Napa and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves must take charge of the middle and lay the platform for Luke Keary and Cronk to combine and create options for Latrell Mitchell to attack inside the opposition 20.
A key battle also looms in the middle of the park, following Cameron Smith’s shock retirement from representative football, with Andrew McCullough and Jake Friend the leading candidates to replace Smith as the Queensland No.9.
The Broncos and Roosters have shared some thrilling games in the past. Of 46 fixtures between the two capital city clubs, Brisbane have won 27 to Sydney’s 19 victories, with the home side also having the upper hand at Lang Park, scoring seven wins from 11 outings.
The last time they played came in week one of last year’s finals, with the Roosters winning 24-22 at the Sydney Football Stadium, rewarding them with a week off.
Prediction
The Roosters will secure a hard-fought win over Brisbane.
Roosters by 8.
Join The Roar from 7:55pm (AEST) for score updates and debate in our live blog.
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