The Broncos will travel to the SCG on Thursday night looking to stay in touch with the top four when they clash with a resurgent Roosters side who are aiming for four straight wins.
A shock loss to the Wests Tigers last start has Kevin Walters’ men under pressure with the Storm and Eels level with the Broncos on 26 competition points going into round 21.
The Roosters are in eighth spot on points differential, slightly ahead of the Raiders who take on a depleted Penrith side.
Trent Robinson labeled the side’s attack in their recent win over the Sea Eagles as a bit rushed with the side coming up with 18 errors despite claiming the two points.
The match promises to be a belter with the Broncos running over the Roosters in the corresponding match last year 34-16.
The Rundown
teamnews
Roosters: It’s expected prop Lindsay Collins will miss the match after he suffered another concussion against the Sea Eagles. Egan Butcher is set to miss a week but the side will have the services of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after he was fined $3000 for dangerous contact on Zac Fulton last week.
Broncos: All eyes will be at the judiciary on Tuesday night with Patrick Carrigan set to plead his case on a dangerous contact charge that left Wests Tigers playmaker Jackson Hastings with a fractured ankle. Maroons representative Selwyn Cobbo is a chance to return after missing the past fortnight due to the concussion he suffered in Origin Three. TC Robati and Jordan Pereira are also due back.
key match-up
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves v Payne Haas: It’s a case of old bull meets young bull and while this pair have met on four occasions already, JWH’s recent performances have been leading efforts to say the least. Haas produced a mammoth game against the Eels in round 19 but like the rest of the side he couldn’t back it up against the Tigers. Look for both men to try and stamp their authority in the match.
stat attack
The Roosters are breaking more tackles than any other team in the competition with an average of 34 per game. Their opponents Brisbane aren’t far behind with 31.9 per outing to rank fourth overall. James Tedesco (126) and Joey Manu (113) are first and second in the NRL respectively with Kotoni Staggs (80) the best for the Broncos.