Roosters v Broncos: Collins, Butcher out; Selwyn win situation
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 labelled 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.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Roosters v Broncos
The Rundown
Team news
Roosters: Forwards Lindsay Collins (concussion) and Egan Butcher (suspension) are both out so Matt Lodge moves into the starting side at prop and Terrell May and Ben Thomas are the new faces on the bench. May has played five games off the interchange this season while Thomas lines up for his first NRL match since round 24 last year. No late changes.
Broncos: Kobe Hetherington is the new lock in place of Patrick Carrigan, who was banned for four matches at the judiciary on Tuesday night. Winger Selwyn Cobbo returns after missing the past fortnight due to a concussion suffered in Origin Three so Delouise Hoeter goes to the reserves list. Jake Turpin has been recalled on the bench at the expense of Cory Paix while Rhys Kennedy also comes into the 17. The only late change involves Jake Turpin starting at hooker and Billy Walters moving to the interchange.
Match: Roosters v Broncos
Round 21 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tesi Niu
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Broncos is number 4 Deine Mariner
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso SuaaliiWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke KearyFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam VerrillsHooker for Broncos is number 14 Jake Turpin
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Matthew LodgeProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Broncos is number 13 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Ben ThomasInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Rhys Kennedy
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Drew HutchisonInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Corey Jensen
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell MayInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Keenan Palasia
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 19 Fletcher BakerReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Te Maire Martin
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
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 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.
Match: Roosters v Broncos
Round 21 -
home Team
Roosters
8th Position
away Team
Broncos
7th Position
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
