Broncos
22
Match Complete
Rabbitohs
18
| 74 |  | A. Reynolds | ||
| 73 |  | A. Johnston | ||
| J. Isaako | | 58 | ||
| K. Staggs | | 57 | ||
| J. Isaako | | 50 | ||
| K. Staggs | | 49 | ||
| 39 |  | A. Reynolds | ||
| 35 | | A. Reynolds | ||
| 34 | | C. Walker | ||
| 30 | | C. Graham | ||
| J. Isaako | | 24 | ||
| A. Milford | | 18 | ||
| K. Staggs | | 6 |
| 4 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 1 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
After what can only be described as a crazy week, it’s nice to get back to even some sort of normality tonight as the NRL continues with the Brisbane Broncos taking on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting at 8:05pm (AEDT).
After a pre-season that was less than flattering, the Broncos surprised many by comfortably beating the Cowboys in Townsville last Friday night.
David Fifita and Payne Haas were immense, with Fifita’s solo try one of the big moments in the match. Brodie Croft was impressive in his debut for the Broncos, allowing the likes of Anthony Milford and Kotoni Staggs to shine.
Tevita Pangai’s indiscretion landed him four weeks on the sidelines, with Jamil Hopoate starting this week. Ethan Bullemor gets a start on the bench. Corey Oates has been named but is battling a bout of gastro.
The Rabbitohs also got off to a winning start last week, but suffered a late fright as only a late forward pass from Connor Tracey prevented a Sharks upset.
Prior to that, though, Souths looked the goods, with their backline one of the best in the league.
Wayne Bennett has the benefit of an unchanged line-up, with no injuries to report. He will, however, be looking to tighten up the left-edge defence after Shaun Johnson created havoc down that corridor last weekend.
Prediction
The absence of home crowds impacts any home ground advantage but the Broncos do have a strong record at Suncorp Stadium.
This will be a tight one but the Broncos, led up Haas and Thomas Flegler, will just shade the South Sydney front row and lay a platform. With Fifita terrorising on the edge, the Broncos will do enough.
Brisbane by two.
Game information
Kick-off: 8:05pm (AEDT)
Venue: Suncorp Stadium
TV: Channel Nine, Fox League
Online: Kayo Sports, Foxtel, NRL Live Pass
Odds: Brisbane $1.90, South Sydney $1.90
Brisbane Broncos
1. Jamayne Isaako 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Darius Boyd 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Anthony Milford 7. Brodie Croft 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. David Fifita 12. Jamil Hopoate 13. Patty Carrigan
Interchange: 14. Herbie Farnworth 15. Andrew McCullough 16. Rhys Kennedy 17. Ethan Bullemor
South Sydney Rabbitohs
1. Latrell Mitchell 2. Dane Gagai 3. James Roberts 4. Braidon Burns 5. Campbell Graham 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Damien Cook 10. Thomas Burgess 11. Jaydn Su’A 12. Cameron Murray 13. Liam Knight
Interchange: 14. Mark Nicholls 15. Ethan Lowe 16. Hame Sele 17. Alex Johnston
Bruce Vartan
Guest
Just watched highlights Manly v Roosters the strip penalties they were blowing were lost ball/loose carry for the Broncos. Refs certainly seemed to be trying to help Souths
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Thanks Chris. You'd think on paper that the Raiders will start warm favourites - but these are the games that worry me the most - the games you're expected to win.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
"Early days but the Broncos are looking pretty formidable." ....they sure do Geoff, and the forward's statistics you provided are very impressive for the Broncos and pretty damning for the Bunnies. Your Raiders look good as well Geoff. Great start last week - though a hiding looked likely at half time - and I really can't see the Warriors troubling your boys.
Panthers3
Roar Rookie
Coops was right. Welcome home Latrell.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
If you are talking about Campbell Graham I thought he was one of Souths better players – 124 run metres for a start. At least he had a crack. If you are going to start pointing fingers I’d be looking at the Souths forward pack who were absolutely monstered. And Latrell Mitchell who is simply not a full back. Interesting also that Reynolds had one run metre. At least Cody Walker was a bit more lively. Tom Burgess’s second stint was the only time that a Souths forward looked threatening. I can see Johnston moving to full back and Latrell back to the centres next week. Some amazing statistics from the Brisbane forwards – Flegler 159 metres, Carrigan 149 metres, Haas 147 metres, Fifita 121 metres. And not one Souths forward above 100. Plus TPJ, Ofahengaue and Glenn are missing! Early days but the Broncos are looking pretty formidable.
matth
Roar Guru
Depends if they can carry the injury load long term without imploding. Looking at it now: Bird, Oates, Kahu, Croft, Lodge, Glenn, that young half we picked up last year from the Roosters, TPJ suspended, Joe O suspended. That’s a lot of salary cap on the sidelines.
matth
Roar Guru
Ouch, good luck everyone
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Been some ripping games so far this weekend. Cows dogs was good and today’s two matches were fantastic.
Nat
Roar Guru
That feeling where you got just a bit too excited... :laughing: :laughing:
elvis
Roar Rookie
I like it. The messiah departs injured in the first half. 4 starting forwards out. Caned 10-5 in the penalties. Edged in the luck. No home crowd. And the Broncos still win.
Joe
Roar Rookie
He had some good defensive reads in the second. I thought he was pedestrian in attack, defensive lapse caused a rabbits try so overall no but compared to his previous performances yes.
Joe
Roar Rookie
That's his normal rabbit in the headlight look. He's usually reliable but today not so much.
elvis
Roar Rookie
He looks too trim. Great for being a fullback. Except he's not.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Campbell Graham?
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Who is the tall skinny winger for Souths? He looked scared to be out there?
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog tonight. Have a great weekend
elvis
Roar Rookie
If that isn't, what is?
David Holden
Roar Guru
Don't think so, unfortunately. The situation with sport at the moment has led to some changes at the Roar, hopefully only short term. I do think there will be more coverage next week so hopefully just a short term blip
David Holden
Roar Guru
A young Brisbane Broncos team has announced themselves as a force tonight after a hard fought win over South Sydney. Momentum did swing to the Rabbits leading into half time but the Broncos tightened up their edge defence in the second 40m. With that under control, two great tries from Kotoni Staggs, who is one of the best centres in the game, gave the Broncos the lead. As expected, the Rabbits fought back through an Alex Johnston try. The Rabbits had a couple of chances late but the Broncos held on for a close win
G Len N
Roar Rookie
Agree with that. He is a class centre but I don’t think he has the nous to be a leading fullback.