Roosters v Broncos: NRLW Round 2 preview

Author: Alicia Newton NRL Reporter
Timestamp: Fri 14 Sep 2018, 04:16 PM

Two of the pre-season favourites go head-to-head in round two of the NRL Holden Women's Premiership on Friday night in a clash that could make or break the final standings for both sides.

The Roosters are looking to keep their grand final aspirations alive after a shock loss to the Warriors last week, while Brisbane can all but book their spot in the decider with another dominant win.

Many predicted these two clubs to face off in the inaugural NRLW final on September 30, but the Roosters' round one defeat has left them with it all to play for.

The Tricolours are hopeful inspirational leader Ruan Sims will return from a hamstring injury in a boost for the side, who struggled to find in-roads against a defensively sound Warriors outfit.

Brisbane couldn't have produced a slicker performance in attack in their win over the Dragons with Paul Dyer's side now searching for an element of consistency to their game after a history-making performance.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Friday 14 Sep

Full Time

Roosters

Broncos

Venue: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

Key match-up: Ali Brigginshaw v Maddie Studdon: The pair of Jillaroos were teammates at last year's World Cup and now go head-to-head for the second time since the NRL Holden State of Origin fixture. Studdon had the last say in the interstate clash but Brigginshaw's form has been electric in 2018. The kicking games and creativity from both are likely to dictate the result.

For the Roosters to win: They'll need to complete their sets a lot better than last week and match it with the Broncos through the middle. Their biggest strength against the Broncos is their talent out wide. Brisbane's back five missed 17 tackles against the Dragons compared to the Roosters' five last week. With Isabelle Kelly and Shontelle Stowers in the centres, it could be the target area for the Tricolours to find points.

NRLW Roosters v Broncos - Round 2

For the Broncos to win: They have to tighten their defence. The Broncos conceded 62 tackle breaks despite a 26-point victory over the Dragons. The Roosters will have too much strike power if that happens again. Brisbane have the strength across the park with their set plays earning huge raps over the weekend and they'll need to prove again it isn't a one-off performance.

And another thing: The Broncos' average play-the-ball speed (3.64 seconds) was the fastest of the women's sides in the opening round. The Warriors were just behind at 3.66 seconds, while defeated sides the Roosters (4.05 seconds) and Dragons (4.13 seconds) recorded more than half a second slower at the ruck.

Round 2 - Round 2 - Friday 14 Sep

Full Time

Roosters

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Karina Brown

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Chelsea Baker
Winger for Roosters is number 2 Sharon McGrady

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Julia Robinson
Centre for Roosters is number 3 Shontelle Stowers

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Meg Ward
Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Amber Pilley
Winger for Roosters is number 5 Taleena Simon

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Karley Te Kawa
Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Lavina O'Mealey

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Kimiora Breayley-Nati
Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Maddie Studdon

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali Brigginshaw

Forwards

Prop for Roosters is number 8 Ruan Sims

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Heather Ballinger
Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Kylie Hilder

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Brittany Breayley-Nati
Prop for Roosters is number 10 Elianna Walton

Prop for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea Lenarduzzi
2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Tazmin Gray

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Teuila Fotu-Moala
2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Maitua Feterika
Lock for Roosters is number 13 Zahara Temara

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Rona Peters

Interchange

Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Nita Maynard

Interchange for Broncos is number 10 Stephanie Hancock
Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Chloe Caldwell

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Lavinia Gould
Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Victoria Latu

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Mariah Denman
Interchange for Roosters is number 21 Simaima Taufa

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Ngatokotoru Arakua

Match Officials

Referee: Peter Gough
Video Referee: Alan Shortall
Senior Review Official: Luke Patten

Last updated: 12/19/2023 9:04:47 PM

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Roosters: Ruan Sims starts at prop and Sharon McGrady is in on the wing, with Karina Brown moving to fullback. Simaima Taufa has been promoted to the bench at the expense of Sarah Togatuki, while Botille Vette-Welsh was cut an hour before kick-off. Brydie Parker and Quincy Dodd were omitted on Thursday.

Broncos: Meg Ward replaces Amelia Kuk in the centres with Karley Te Kawa starting on the wing. Chelsea lenarduzzi will start at prop, with Stephanie Hancock dropping to the bench. Tallisha Harden and Amelia Kuk were cut an hour prior to kick-off.