The New Zealand Warriors are still in the finals frame, but must beat the improving Brisbane Broncos at home to remain in the hunt. Tune in to the action from Suncorp Stadium as Round 23 wraps up with live scores on The Roar from 4:05pm (AEST).
Consecutive wins over the Tigers, Sharks and Bulldogs have rekindled hopes of a fairytale finals return for the Warriors. Having endured such hardship and done more than any other side to keep the NRL going during the COVID-19 pandemic, no doubt they’d be everyone’s second-favourite team should they get there.
First, though, they have to bridge the current one-win and 81-point differential gap to the eighth-placed Titans in the final three weeks. It’s not impossible, given the Warriors next play the inconsistent Raiders and then the Titans themselves to finish the home-and-away season; but it could all come unstuck here if they can’t get the job done.
Remarkably, despite the Broncos endured another torrid year in Kevvie Walters’ first season at the helm, they nearly stunned the Roosters for a second time last week. Following their upset of the year contender earlier in the year, they led late before a controversial penalty saw them go down by a solitary point.
Nevertheless, a win over the Cowboys and three gallant losses has made last month a positive one for the Broncos, and one that should see them start the climb back up the ladder over the coming seasons. With popular captain Alex Glenn confirming his impending retirement, they’ve got all the more reason to want to finish this season on a high.
Herbie Farnworth has been named for the Broncos despite dealing with a leg injury that saw him miss that loss to the Roosters; while the Warriors welcome back Dallin Watene-Zelezniak from his suspension, and send Jazz Tevaga back to the bench for the returning Bayley Sironen.
Kick-off: 4:05pm (AEST)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
TV: Channel Nine, Fox League
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel GO
Betting: Broncos $2, Warriors $1.81 (odds via PlayUp)
Brisbane Broncos
1. Tesi Niu, 2. Corey Oates, 3. Selwyn Cobbo, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Anthony Milford, 7. Albert Kelly, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Danny Levi, 10. Payne Haas, 11. Alex Glenn (c), 12. Jordan Riki, 13. Kobe Hetherington
Bench/Reserves: 14. David Mead, 15. Rhys Kennedy, 16. Ethan Bullemor, 17. TC Robati | 18. Cory Paix, 19. Brendan Piakura, 20. Brodie Croft, 21. Jake Turpin
New Zealand Warriors
1. Reece Walsh, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Peta Hiku (c), 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Marcelo Montoya, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Sean O’Sullivan, 8. Addin Fonua-Blake, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, 11. Josh Curran, 12. Euan Aitken, 13. Bayley Sironen
Bench/Reserves: 14. Kodi Nikorima, 15. Bunty Afoa, 16. Eliesa Katoa, 17. Jazz Tevaga | 18. Edward Kosi, 20. Jackson Frei, 21. Jack Murchie, 22. Chad Townsend
Phil
Roar Rookie
I have that feeling every time he does the arm swing routine.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Disagree, Luke. I think your bias is showing.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The weekend matches have been pretty decent really - not too many blowouts - apart from the Tigers getting blown away in the second half
Lance Boil
Roar Rookie
First, I would like to say how enjoyable this game was with the mute button on. Next, the off the line speed in defence of the warriors was significantly quicker than the Broncos. Thirdly, geez the Warriors have got some big boppers. Finally, despite the previous two points the Broncos won!
elvis
Roar Rookie
Kevvie is getting them going. They would have lost this by 12 last year. They kept going until decisions went for them, it evens up. The nine guys kept raving about Milford, but you could see Gamble's control was missing. And what did you do Billy under the high ball? "Well I just used to kick them in the head Freddy, footy was better in my day with a hydrogen ball"
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
You sort of had the feeling Walsh was going to miss - and a good thing he did too
vonManstein
Roar Rookie
They really should have had the game in the bag before having to rely on a 2fg. No doubt Walsh will be feeling real low. As a youngster let’s hope he can put it behind him swiftly.
elvis
Roar Rookie
Maybe he didn't, but it you are wrapping up the ball and you somehow end up with it then it's a penalty. He doesn't have to go for the ball in the tackle.
elvis
Roar Rookie
Both sides played in good spirit, that helps. Not one side trying to gain an unfair advantage all the time.
Tony
Roar Guru
We should have listened
elvis
Roar Rookie
I'd still prefer Gamble controlling the game.
elvis
Roar Rookie
Maybe he was watching the South Penrith game last night.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
OK, you just keep up the whinging and the whining..your clubs proud of you.
Panana split
Roar Rookie
lol, tell us another
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
What have I always said? A good goal kicker is worth their weight in gold.
Luke S
Roar Rookie
So I guess we can expect Annersley to have another presser tomorrow, clutching his pearls, saying the referees are the real heroes of the game and don't criticise the Bunker for making the wrong decisions, otherwise they'll go home and cry!
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
To who? Even if they had the kick they still needed to win in GP and then win the next two weeks and have other results go there way. Was a confusing call though.
Luke S
Roar Rookie
So did the NRL, which was why the referees were trying their level best with their decisions to give the game to them….
thomas c
Guest
With that last one, if it goes up a non-try and with an assumption of knock on, it seems like madness to give a try. With those replays, the only hand provably on it was Coates'. Warriors looked more dynamic. Given the broncos' defence, their only hope was to dominate enough to blunt the slickness of the warriors' attack. It was somewhat telling that the warriors surged once Haas while Haas was off the field. Nice to see milford have a good game.
Panana split
Roar Rookie
Nah