A heavyweight showdown under the Friday night lights at Suncorp Stadium pits a desperate Broncos outfit against a Roosters team capable of anything on its day but struggling for consistency.
The defending premiers have now lost six in a row to plummet six spots on the ladder and look a shadow of the team that owned last year’s finals series.
The Broncos’ losing streak started in Round 9 at the hands of the Roosters, who have gone W-L-L-W-L-W since then but still find themselves in fourth place and well positioned to make a charge for the title.
The clash of gun fullbacks Reece Walsh and James Tedesco and powerhouse forwards Payne Haas and Keaon Koloamatangi should be worth the price of entry alone as the champs look to climb off the canvas and the Chooks look to inflict more pain on Madge’s men.
Team News
Broncos: Origin reps Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas are back to bolster the line-up but Adam Reynolds (hamstring) and Ezra Mam (shoulder) will miss the game. Ben Hunt takes over at halfback while Xavier Willison moves to lock to accommodate Haas’ return. Blake Mozer is the new man on the bench taking over from Mam.
Roosters: The return of centre Hugo Savala from concussion sees Billy Smith slide out to the wing and Tommy Talau go to the interchange. Fullback James Tedesco is set to take his place despite suffering a broken nose against the Sharks. Toby Rodwell is the man to drop out of the 19.
Stat Attack
The Broncos have not defeated the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium since 2019.
The Roosters have won nine of their last 12 games against the Broncos.
The Broncos have conceded 218 points in six consecutive losses.
Captain James Tedesco will play his 200th game for the Roosters.
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored six tries in his last six games at Suncorp Stadium.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.