2019 NRL – Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Friday 22nd March, 08:55
Where is Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys taking place? Suncorp Stadium
What channel is Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for Brisbane Broncos vs North Queensland Cowboys?
Brisbane Broncos – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500011
North Queensland Cowboys – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500012
THE TEAM NEWS
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Head Coach: Anthony Seibold
Starting 13: Boyd, Oates, Roberts, Bird, Isaako, Milford, Nikorima, Pangai Jnr., McCullough, Ofahengaue, Glenn, Fifita, Gillett – Interchanges: Staggs, Su’A, Flegler, Fensom – Reserves: Carrigan, Mago, Kennar, Shibasaki
Unavailable: Payne Haas, Matt Lodge
- Brisbane Broncos were outclassed in their season opener as Melbourne Storm dominated to highlight some real weaknesses in the Broncos side they will have to fix up quickly with some tough games incoming.
- Broncos' halfback pairing of Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima have come under fire once again with Sean O'Sullivan waiting in the wings but head coach Anthony Seibold has stuck to his guns for this game at least.
- Matt Lodge has copped a two-week ban after a late hit on Cameron Munster last week with Tevita Pangai Jnr. coming into the starting 13 and veteran Shaun Fensom stepping up to the bench.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Head Coach: Paul Green
Starting 13: Kahu, Macdonald, O’Neill, Opacic, Bowen, Martin, Morgan, Scott, Granville, McLean, Cooper, Hess, Taumalolo – Interchanges: Asiata, McGuire, Dunn, Molo – Reserves: Hampton, Clifford, Jensen, Tuala
Unavailable: Kyle Feldt, Murray Taulagi, Corey Jensen, Scott Bolton
- North Queensland Cowboys were dominant through the middle as they overcame St. George to claim victory in their opening game of the year and will now look to roll the Broncos after they suffered the same fate against the Storm.
- Jason Taumalolo put in an incredible performance for the Cowboys last week running for 286 metres as he destroyed the Dragons but he will likely face more traffic in defence this week after only being forced to make 15 tackles last time out.
- Head coach Paul Green has named the same 17 as last week although Josh McGuire is named on the bench having started the game against the Dragons with Gavin Cooper taking his place.
THE PREDICTION
Brisbane struggled to get a foothold in the game against Melbourne last week and now their young pack faces another big test against North Queensland. The Cowboys were comfortable winners over the Dragons and can take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the Broncos halfback pairing to win here. They have come in for a beating from all sides but their coach has stuck by them in the hope they will come good. However, until they show signs of being able to play together at the level the Broncos are aiming for, they are difficult to get behind.
