The Sydney Roosters remain in Queensland and return to Suncorp Stadium for yet another Friday night blockbuster against the Brisbane Broncos.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
The Roosters and Broncos face off for the 56th time in their 35-year rivalry, which has seen a number of memorable clashes between the two powerhouse clubs.
There have been mixed results against the Broncos in recent years, with Easts winning six of the last ten matches, and the sides were split in 2021 as Brisbane upset the Roosters in Round 11 at the SCG before an Adam Keighran penalty goal in the dying stages secured a 21-20 victory.
At Suncorp Stadium, the Tricolours have won three of the last four contests against the Broncos, while the results in the last eight matches at the venue have alternated against varying opponents.
On Friday night the Roosters will be aiming to record consecutive wins for the first time this season, while the home side is looking to return to the winners' circle after losing their last two matches against the Cowboys and Warriors respectively.
How They Line Up
Head Coach Trent Robinson, back in the hot seat after a COVID-enforced lay off last week, has listed a similar squad to the one that overcame the Cowboys on Saturday.
Joseph Suaalii, Sam Verrills and Fletcher Baker are the new names in the squad this week, with the trio named in Trent Robinson's reserves list.
Connor Watson has been named to start at hooker, with Drew Hutchison shuffling back to the bench. The remainder of the side is unchanged, with James Tedesco captaining the team at fullback.
Kevin Naiqama has retained his place on the wing after a try-scoring Club debut, and will again line up alongside Daniel Tupou. Paul Momirovski and Joey Manu retain their place as the centre pairing.
Match: Broncos v Roosters
Round 5 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Roosters
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Tesi NiuFullback for Roosters is number 1 James Tedesco
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Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey OatesWinger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel Tupou
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Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Roosters is number 3 Paul Momirovski
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Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph Manu
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Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn CobboWinger for Roosters is number 5 Kevin Naiqama
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Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Billy WaltersFive-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Sam Walker
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Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam ReynoldsHalfback for Roosters is number 7 Luke Keary
Forwards
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Prop for Broncos is number 8 Keenan PalasiaProp for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
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Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Jake TurpinHooker for Roosters is number 14 Drew Hutchison
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Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne HaasProp for Roosters is number 17 Lindsay Collins
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Nat Butcher
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Sitili Tupouniua
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Lock for Broncos is number 13 Kobe HetheringtonLock for Roosters is number 13 Victor Radley
Interchange
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Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Ryan JamesInterchange for Roosters is number 9 Connor Watson
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Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Corey JensenInterchange for Roosters is number 15 Daniel Suluka-Fifita
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Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Teui RobatiInterchange for Roosters is number 16 Angus Crichton
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Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Cory PaixInterchange for Roosters is number 24 Fletcher Baker
Reserves
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Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Tyson GambleReplacement for Roosters is number 20 Lachlan Lam
Match Officials
- Referee: Grant Atkins
- Touch Judge: Nick Morel
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Sam Walker and Luke Keary will continue to build their combination in the halves, while Siosiua Taukeiaho, Watson and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves line up in the front row. The starting side is rounded off with Nat Butcher, Sitili Tupouniua and Victor Radley in the back row.
Hutchison, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Angus Crichton and Lindsay Collins make up the interchange bench, with Naufahu Whyte named at 18th man.
Renouf Atoni, Lachlan Lam and Adam Keighran join Verrills, Suaalii and Baker on the extended bench.
The Broncos have been hit by injury and suspension with Patrick Carrigan, Albert Kelly and Tom Flegler set for long stints on the sidelines, and have made necessary changes to the side.
Billy Walters starts at five-eighth for Kelly, while young forwards Keenan Palasia and Kobe Hetherington come into the starting side, while veteran Kurt Capewell makes his return in the back row.
Key Match Up: Joseph Manu vs Herbie Farnworth
Two centres that have started the season on fire are set to clash when Joseph Manu and Herbie Farnworth oppose one another at Suncorp Stadium.
Manu had a night to remember against the Cowboys last weekend, scoring two tries and providing two while breaking the line twice in a powerhouse performance, and will be aiming to continue his combination with winger Kevin Naiqama on the right.
Despite Brisbane's inconsistency in the opening month, Farnworth has been a consistent member of the side, averaging a try per game and breaking fifteen tackles in what has been a strong start for his 2021 season.
The New Zealander and Englishman go head-to-head on Friday night, and with plenty of players able to put them into space, expect these two to light up Suncorp Stadium and provide plenty of fireworks.
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Another big clash against the Brisbane Broncos awaits your Sydney Roosters this Friday night - for those Roosters Members and supporters based in southeast Queensland, you can grab your tickets here and cheer on the mighty Tricolours!
Don't forget - only Roosters Members will be able to register for the Members' Exclusive Captain's Run this Friday afternoon, click here to register!
