Warriors v Broncos, NRL 2023, match preview, analysis, statistics

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sat 27 May 2023, 04:50 PM

After a flying start in 2023 the Broncos head to New Zealand looking to avoid a third-straight loss against a Warriors side set to welcome back some key personnel.

Despite defending bravely in a 15-4 loss to premiers Penrith last week, Brisbane lacked direction in attack without injured No.7 Adam Reynolds.

The bye last week was timely for the Warriors given their extensive injury toll, while a 24-12 win over the Bulldogs in Round 11, which snapped a three-game losing streak, will have ensured spirits were high heading into their time off.

This will be the first time either side has played at McLean Park in Napier, with the 2015 clash between Melbourne and St George Illawarra being the only previous NRL game at the venue.

The Broncos and Warriors have played each other just once each year for the past three seasons, with the latter winning two of those contests.

Sportsbet Betting Preview - Warriors v Broncos

Team News

Warriors: Will take the field 1-17, with Luke Metcalf making his club debut. Jackson Ford is back to start in the second row after missing Round 11 with a head knock, while hooker Wayde Egan (calf) is out and replaced by Freddy Lussick.

Broncos: No late changes, with halfback Adam Reynolds returning from injury to boost his side who are without Origin stars Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Payne Haas, Thomas Flegler and Pat Carrigan. Tristan Sailor starts at fullback and Deine Mariner gets a run on the wing. Keenan Palasia and Corey Jensen are the new starting props, with Kobe Hetherington moving into the starting side at lock. The new faces on the bench are Xavier Willison and Brendan Piakura.

Round 13 - Round 13 - Saturday 27 May

Full Time

Warriors

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Warriors is number 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tristan Sailor
Winger for Warriors is number 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Jesse Arthars
Centre for Warriors is number 3 Rocco Berry

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
Centre for Warriors is number 4 Adam Pompey

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
Winger for Warriors is number 5 Marcelo Montoya

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
Five-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Luke Metcalf

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
Halfback for Warriors is number 7 Shaun Johnson

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds

Forwards

Prop for Warriors is number 8 Addin Fonua-Blake

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Keenan Palasia
Hooker for Warriors is number 9 Freddy Lussick

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
Prop for Warriors is number 10 Bunty Afoa

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Corey Jensen
2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Jackson Ford

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Marata Niukore

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
Lock for Warriors is number 13 Tohu Harris

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Kobe Hetherington

Interchange

Interchange for Warriors is number 14 Bayley Sironen

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Cory Paix
Interchange for Warriors is number 15 Josh Curran

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Xavier Willison
Interchange for Warriors is number 16 Demitric Sifakula

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Brendan Piakura
Interchange for Warriors is number 17 Tom Ale

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau

Reserves

Replacement for Warriors is number 20 Taine Tuaupiki

Replacement for Broncos is number 20 Delouise Hoeter

Match Officials

Referee: Gerard Sutton
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Matt Noyen

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:48 AM

Stat Attack

The Warriors have won three of their past four games in New Zealand played outside Auckland.
The Broncos play in New Zealand for the first time since 2019.
The Warriors have won eight of their past 11 games against the Broncos in New Zealand.
More than half of the Broncos’ squad will play their first NRL game in New Zealand.
Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake has scored four tries in his past five games.