The second game on Friday night heads to Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane for the Broncos to host the Roosters. After a strong start to the season, the Broncos have quickly found themselves under pressure.
Combine this with recent off-field issues and their 2-game winning streak to start the season has been quickly forgotten. It has been an uncharacteristic start for the Roosters, dominated by inconsistent performances.
They appear to be back to form with a strong win over the Cowboys recently; a lot still needs to improve though and it may take this team longer to find their groove, but they are sure to be peaking at the right time of the year. This betting guide will aim to have you covered and get your weekend of punting off on the right note.
Broncos vs Roosters Betting Tips
Suncorp Stadium, Friday 8th April, 7.55pm (AEST)
Squads
Brisbane Broncos
1. Tesi Nui 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Billy Walters 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Keenan Palasia 9. Jake Turpin 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Kobe Hetherington Interchange: 14. Ryan James 15. Corey Jensen 16. Teui Robati 17. Cory Paix 18. Tyson Gamble
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Paul Momirovski 4. Joseph Manu 5. Kevin Naiqama 6. Sam Walker 7. Luke Keary 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Connor Watson 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Nat Butcher 12. Sitili Tupouniua 13. Victor Radley Interchange: 14. Drew Hutchinson 15. Daniel Suluka-Fifita 16. Angus Crichton 17. Lindsay Collins 18. Naufahu Whyte
Match Preview
The formline for this game runs through the Cowboys. The Broncos lost to them on this ground in Round 3 by 38-12. They were rarely in the contest and failed to develop pressure against their opponents. In Round 4, the Roosters were calculated in their 28-4 victory in Townsville.
Of course, circumstances ahead of this game (and during) will be different but the Roosters will likely improve into this contest, much more than the home side. The Broncos need to improve but it unknown whether they can match their opponents.
To win this game, the Broncos need to challenge the Roosters forwards; if their halves and outside backs are not getting clean ball, the Roosters are a different team. While capable, greater consistency is still needed from a team which was heard to complain that their preseason training was too hard.
The Roosters have a habit of beating up on lesser teams in the competition and this game should be no different. A comfortable win looks likely.
Prop Bets:
Tedesco/Tupou/Manu all score trys ($6.50 at Ladbrokes)
Roosters 13-18 ($4.80 at Ladbrokes)
Roosters 13+
$1.72 (1.5 Units)
