2020 NRL – Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? Friday 28th August, 2020 – 10:55 (UK)

Where is Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos taking place? Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

What is the expected weather for Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos? 13c, clear skies

What channel is Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos on? Sky Sports Arena will be televising selected NRL games in the UK and you can find their schedule here. For Australian broadcasters, you can find a list here

Where can I stream Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos? If televised on Sky Sports, then subscribers will be able to stream the match live via Sky Go. Alternatively, the match will be available to subscribers of Watch NRL

Where can I get tickets for Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos? Click here for ticket information on 2020 NRL matches

THE TEAM NEWS

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Starting 13: Tedesco, Tupou, J. Morris, Manu, B. Morris, Hutchison, Flanagan, Waerea-Hargreaves, Friend, Taukeiaho, Cordner, Tupouniua, Liu – Interchanges: Lussick, Faamausili, N. Butcher, Collins – Reserves: Fifita, Hall

Unavailable: Billy Smith (Injured), Victor Radley (Injured), Sam Verrills (Injured), Angus Crichton (Injured), Sonny Bill Williams (Match Fitness), Luke Keary (Injured), Lachlam Lam (Injured), Mitchell Aubusson (Injured), Matt Ikuvalu (Injured)

• Sydney Roosters made an emphatic return to winning ways as they put their disappointing performance against Melbourne Storm behind them by earning a comfortable victory over Wests Tigers last week.
• The Roosters were once again severely under-strength but that did not prevent them from crossing for seven tries in the 16-38 success which came despite seeing just 45% of the ball with the Tricolours defending well and forcing the Tigers into making errors.
• In a big boost for the Roosters, they will have Daniel Tupou and Boyd Cordner back from injury this week with the Daniel Fifita and the injured Matt Ikuvalu making way, although there could be a late change with Brett Morris a doubt.

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Starting 13: Boyd, Kennar, Staggs, Kahu, Farnworth, O’Sullivan, Dearden, Ofahengaue, Paix, Kennedy, Fifita, Te’o, Carrigan – Interchanges: Croft, Riki, Bullemor, Hopoate – Reserves: Arthars, Petterson-Robati

Unavailable: Jack Bird (Injured), Keenan Palasia (Injured), Alex Glenn (Injured), Tesi Niu (Injured), Tevita Pangai Jnr. (Suspended), Matt Lodge (Injured), Xavier Coates (Injured), Thomas Flegler (Injured), Payne Haas (Suspended), Jake Turpin (Injured), Anthony Milford (Injured), Issac Luke (Suspended), Corey Oates (Injured)

• Brisbane Broncos finally parted ways with head coach Anthony Seibold this week to bring his difficult time in charge to an end and Peter Gentle will take temporary charge for this clash as the Broncos seek Seibold’s successor.
• Brisbane produced a better display last week as they pushed St. George Illawarra Dragons all the way in a narrow 24-28 loss but they remain in contention to collect the wooden spoon and now face a hugely difficult task against reigning premiers Sydney Roosters.
• Anthony Milford has joined the Broncos’ long injury list with a hamstring injury and that hands Sean O’Sullivan his first start of the year while Brodie Croft will come onto the bench but Corey Oates was unable to prove his fitness as he dropped off the extended bench 24 hours before kick-off.

THE PREDICTION

It has been another tough week for Brisbane Broncos off the field as they parted ways with head coach Anthony Seibold but it could get worse on it as they take on Sydney Roosters. The Tricolours were impressive as they proved too good for Wests Tigers last week and they will hope to build on that as they look to solidify their spot in the top four. They welcome back two key players this week and with the Broncos once again having to change their halves, it could be a long night for Brisbane with the Roosters capable of winning this by at least 24 points.