2019 NRL – New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? Saturday 25th May, 08:30
Where is New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? Mt Smart Stadium
What channel is New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos on?
UK – This match will not be televised live in the UK
Australia – Fox Sports
Where can I stream New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos?
UK – N/A
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer
Where can I get tickets for New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos?
New Zealand Warriors – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500032
Brisbane Broncos – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500011
THE TEAM NEWS
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Head Coach: Stephen Kearney
Starting 13: Tuivasa-Sheck, Fusitu’a, Hiku, Herbert, Maumalo, Nikorima, Green, Afoa, Luke, Ah Mau, Papali’i, Harris, Burr – Interchanges: Tevaga, Blair, Sao, Lawton – Reserves: Beale, Pulu, Satae, Harris-Tavita
Unavailable: Nathaniel Roache, Agnatius Paasi
- New Zealand Warriors made it back-to-back wins as they comfortably beat Penrith with the Warriors looking to put a big winning run together after their inconsistent start to the season.
- Nathaniel Roache was a late withdrawal for the Warriors last week with Issac Luke given an opportunity to shine in his place and Luke will get the chance again as Roache misses a second week of action.
- Bunty Afao will start this week in place of the suspended Agnatius Paasi and that means Adam Blair is afforded a recall on the bench with the rest of the side otherwise unchanged from last week’s win.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Head Coach: Anthony Seibold
Starting 13: Boyd, Oates, Staggs, Shibasaki, Isaako, Milford, Dearden, Lodge, Turpin, Haas, Glenn, Gillett, Pangai Jnr. – Interchanges: Segeyaro, Fifita, Ofahengaue, Carrigan – Reserves: Segeyaro, Roberts, Perese, O’Sullivan
Unavailable: Andrew McCullough, Jack Bird, Tom Flegler
- Brisbane produced their best performance under Anthony Seibold as they shocked the Sydney Roosters in a thrilling encounter and will now be looking to kick-on as they look to replicate that defensive effort.
- James Segeyaro made a try-scoring debut for the Broncos last week after he was a late inclusion in the side and he will once again come off the bench for his new side as he looks to play himself into a longer deal.
- The Broncos were set to field an unchanged 17 but Tom Flegler has picked up a minor injury in training and will not be risked with Patrick Carrigan coming onto the bench and Tevita Pangai Jnr. will start at lock.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand Warriors and Brisbane have both won their last two games but one of those runs will have to end. Kodi Nikorima will have extra incentive to ensure that side isn't the Warriors following his mid-season switch from the Broncos and his performance will be vital for his new side. There was controversy regarding the way the Broncos allowed him to leave and he will be desperate to put on a show against his former employers. This game could go either way but if the Broncos can replicate last week’s level of performance then they should edge it.
