Two premiership contenders will collide in a Saturday night blockbuster when the Roosters host the Broncos at Allianz Stadium.
After a mixed start to the season, the Roosters have found their stride to pile on the points in a four-game winning streak.
An attack led by Sam Walker and Daly Cherry-Evans has scored 167points in the past month to showcase their title credentials.
Saturday’s game will see two of the greatest playmakers of the modern era face off, with Cherry-Evans to line up opposite Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds.
Both members of the 300-game club, the pair continue to perform at an elite level and have used their experience to deliver results for their clubs.
The battle up front will also be mouthwatering, with Brisbane preparing to welcome back co-captain Pat Carrigan from suspension.
The Queensland and Australian representative will bring instant punch to a pack also featuring young gun Xavier Willison and Ben Talty.
Willison will go toe-to-toe with NZ teammate Naufahu Whyte in a battle between two of the best young forwards in the game.
Brisbane continue to battle an overflowing casualty ward but they are slowly welcoming back the troops and have shown throughout the past two weeks they have plenty of stars ready to step up.
Team News
Roosters: Stability for the Roosters who are chasing five wins in a row. Trent Robinson has named the same 19 that handily defeated the Dragons last week and is not expected to make any late changes. Blake Steep was omitted 24 hours before kick-off and will return to NSW Cup this weekend.
Broncos: Star fullback Reece Walsh is set to wear a custom headgear as he looks to make his return from a facial fracture. “He has ticked all the boxes, he is ready to go. He has ticks from all the medical guy and he is ready to go,” coach Michael Maguire said on Friday. Jesse Arthars is also in the mix to comeback from a calf injury and remains on the six-man bench, along with the returning Aublix Tawha (facial fracture). Pat Carrigan is straight back into the starting side in his return from suspension, Xavier Willison shifting to edge forward in place of the injured Brendan Piakura (knee).
Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won six of their last eight games against the Broncos.
- The Broncos have won their last three games in Sydney by four points or less.
- Roosters winger Mark Nawaqanitawase has scored eight tries in his last five games at Allianz Stadium.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored six tries from his past seven games.
- Roosters winger Daniel Tupou requires one try to join Billy Slater in third place on the all-time tryscoring list.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
