The Broncos will be fighting to halt their recent losing streak, coming into this game against the Dragons having gone down in their past three matches.
Up against a desperate Dragons side who are still hunting their first win of the season – no team can be taken lightly in the NRL competition, despite their placing on the ladder.
Coming into the game following what coach Michael Maguire said was a much-needed by, they have their three Origin representatives (Pat Carrigan, Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki) all named to back up.
With forward leader Payne Haas also set to return, Brisbane will be looking to fire back into the winners circle.
For the Dragons, the effort remains high despite their struggles with form this season.
While it didn’t show on the scoreboard in their 30-12 loss to top-two team the Warriors last week, their opposition did credit them for staying in the contest, with Warriors halfback Te Maire Martin describing it as a tough contest post-match.
While they were able to start well and surprise the Warriors with Setu Tu crossing for the opening try, they were just unable to maintain that resolve through the 80 minutes, which has been a persistent issue this season.
Team News
Broncos: A huge boost for the premiers with prop Payne Haas (knee) set to play his first game since Round 7 while back-rower Brendan Piakura (knee) has also been named. “I’m 100 per cent, I trained fully the other day and I’m excited to play with the boys,” Haas said on Thursday. Coach Michael Maguire has confirmed that Kotoni Staggs and Pat Carrigan will back up from Origin while Queensland’s unused reserves Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki are also on deck for the Broncos. No changes in Saturday’s 24-hour update.
Dragons: Jacob Liddle’s return from a hamstring injury has been put on hold for another week. Liddle dropped off the bench on Saturday with Tyrell Sloan coming in. Centre Moses Suli returns from a back injury but Hayden Buchanan (shoulder), Jaydn Su’A (calf) and Christian Tuipulotu (hamstring) are out. Hooker Damien Cook has been named to play despite coming off early against the Warriors with an ankle issue.
Stat Attack
- The Broncos have conceded 112 points in their last three games.
- The Dragons have won eight of their last 10 games against the Broncos.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has scored eight tries in his last six games against the Dragons.
- The Dragons have won only two of their last 12 games at Suncorp Stadium.
- Broncos coach Michael Maguire has a 75 percent winning record against the Dragons.
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
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