Broncos v Bulldogs: Paix provides relief; Critta's back
An injury-ravaged Broncos side got the job done against the odds in Campbelltown last week, but face a tough ask to beat the Bulldogs in Round 8.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds was instrumental in the win which saw Payne Haas and Jesse Arthars unable to finish the match due to injury sustained in the game that will keep them out this week, joining a growing casualty ward.
However, with plenty of rep experience to call on, including Cook Islands and Kiwi international Xavier Willison who had an strong game, they were able to post a 21-20 victory, thanks to a clever Reynolds field goal.
The Bulldogs suffered their third loss of the season last weekend against a fired-up Parramatta side who just didn't let them find any rhythm.
Despite some strong individual performances like 232 run metres from fullback Connor Tracey and two tries assists to Bronson Xerri and Matt Burton, it was not enough to catch the Eels who led 18-4 at half-time and went on with the job.
Match: Broncos v Bulldogs
Round 8 -
home Team
Broncos
9th Position
away Team
Bulldogs
10th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
Team News
Broncos: With Payne Haas (knee) and Corey Jensen (pulmonary embolism) sidelined, Michael Maguire's new-look front row includes Ben Talty and Jack Gosiewksi as starting props and the returning Cory Paix (head knock) at hooker. Josh Rogers goes back to the bench alongside Jaiyden Hunt, Preston Riki and VJ Semu, who makes his NRL debut.
Bulldogs: Skipper Stephen Crichton is back after missing two games with a shoulder injury so Josh Curran reverts to the bench. The loss Jacob Kiraz to a knee injury means Jonathan Sua will start the game after getting 35 minutes of game time off the bench last week. Jake Turpin has been added to the bench.
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Jesse ArtharsFullback for Bulldogs is number 1 Connor Tracey
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Josiah KarapaniWinger for Bulldogs is number 2 Jonathan Sua
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Bulldogs is number 3 Bronson Xerri
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Gehamat ShibasakiCentre for Bulldogs is number 4 Stephen Crichton
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Deine MarinerWinger for Bulldogs is number 5 Marcelo Montoya
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra MamFive-Eighth for Bulldogs is number 6 Matt Burton
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam ReynoldsHalfback for Bulldogs is number 7 Lachlan Galvin
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Ben TaltyProp for Bulldogs is number 8 Samuel Hughes
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Cory PaixHooker for Bulldogs is number 9 Bailey Hayward
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Jack GosiewskiProp for Bulldogs is number 10 Leo Thompson
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 11 Viliame Kikau
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki2nd Row for Bulldogs is number 12 Jacob Preston
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Xavier WillisonLock for Bulldogs is number 13 Jaeman Salmon
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Josh RogersInterchange for Bulldogs is number 14 Kurt Mann
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Jaiyden HuntInterchange for Bulldogs is number 15 Sitili Tupouniua
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Preston RikiInterchange for Bulldogs is number 16 Harry Hayes
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Va'a SemuInterchange for Bulldogs is number 17 Jake Turpin
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 18 Hayze PerhamInterchange for Bulldogs is number 19 Josh Curran
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 19 Antonio VerhoevenInterchange for Bulldogs is number 20 Lipoi Hopoi
Reserves
-
Reserve for Broncos is number 20 Thomas DuffyReserve for Bulldogs is number 21 Jethro Rinakama
-
Reserve for Broncos is number 21 Cameron BukowskiReserve for Bulldogs is number 22 Alekolasimi Jones
-
Reserve for Bulldogs is number 23 Alex Conti
Broncos Ins
- Antonio Verhoeven
- Cory Paix
- Jaiyden Hunt
- Preston Riki
Bulldogs Ins
- Alekolasimi Jones
- Alex Conti
- Jethro Rinakama
- Stephen Crichton
Broncos Outs
- Corey Jensen
- Payne Haas
Bulldogs Ins
- Jacob Kiraz
Match Officials
- Referee: Wyatt Raymond
- Senior Review Official: Chris Butler
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Broncos have won seven of their last eight games against the Bulldogs.
- Bulldogs second-rower Jacob Preston has scored five tries in five games at Suncorp Stadium.
- The Broncos have lost three of their past four games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey has scored seven tries in six games against the Broncos.
- Broncos coach Michael Maguire has won six of his last seven games against the Bulldogs.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
