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: Brisbane will line up 1-19 after coach Michael Maguire confirmed his squad in the final team update. The loss of Adam Reynolds will see Ben Hunt step into the No.7 jumper to partner Tom Duffy in the halves, while Ezra Mam has also been ruled out and will be replaced by Blake Mozer on the six-man bench. The utility is preparing for his first NRL match since breaking his jaw in Round 6. Brisbane have received a boost with the return of Origin stars Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs and Payne Haas.

Roosters: The Roosters are also 1-19, with the team locked in 90-minutes before kick-off. A broken nose won’t impact James Tedesco’s ability to start at fullback for his 200th match as a Rooster. Hugo Savala is also back in the centres after progressing through the concussion protocols and is on track to take his place in the team. The centre’s return will see Billy Smith shift back to the wing and Tommy Talau drop back to the six-man bench.

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.