It's another Thursday night match and another game with serious implications for both sides - a blockbuster against the Brisbane Broncos which will be yet another test for the Sydney Roosters.
Recent History: Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
Easts and Brisbane do battle for the 56th time since 1988 this Thursday night, with 35 years of memorable clashes in that period which has seen both sides compete for Premiership glory.
Round 5 Highlights: Roosters vs Broncos
Last time out the Red, White and Blue were victorious in an absolute thriller at Suncorp Stadium, with conversions proving to be the difference as they edged out their opponents 24-20 way back in Round 5.
The Roosters have recent history on their side with four of the last five victories, however they will be looking to atone for their last meeting at the SCG which ended in a surprise 34-18 defeat.
With a top four spot on the line for the Broncos and with plenty of growth since then, the Roosters will have to be on their guard against a side looking to bounce back from a defeat to the lowly Wests Tigers.
How They Line Up
Trent Robinson's side has had two changes made, with bench forward Egan Butcher suspended, while Lindsay Collins has also been omitted.
Captain James Tedesco takes his place at fullback in his 199th NRL match, joined by veteran Daniel Tupou, Paul Momirovski, Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii in the backline.
Halves Luke Keary and Sam Walker continue to forge their partnership in the halves, while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Verrills and Matt Lodge line up in the front row.
Match: Roosters v Broncos
Round 21 -
home Team
Roosters
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Roosters is number 1 James TedescoFullback for Broncos is number 1 Tesi Niu
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Winger for Roosters is number 2 Daniel TupouWinger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
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Centre for Roosters is number 3 Paul MomirovskiCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
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Centre for Roosters is number 4 Joseph ManuCentre for Broncos is number 4 Deine Mariner
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Winger for Roosters is number 5 Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'iWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
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Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Luke KearyFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
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Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Sam WalkerHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
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Prop for Roosters is number 8 Jared Waerea-HargreavesProp for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler
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Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Sam VerrillsHooker for Broncos is number 14 Jake Turpin
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Prop for Roosters is number 10 Matthew LodgeProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Angus Crichton2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
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2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Nat Butcher2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
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Lock for Roosters is number 13 Victor RadleyLock for Broncos is number 13 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange
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Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Connor WatsonInterchange for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
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Interchange for Roosters is number 15 Ben ThomasInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Rhys Kennedy
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Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Drew HutchisonInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Corey Jensen
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Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Terrell MayInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Keenan Palasia
Reserves
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Replacement for Roosters is number 19 Fletcher BakerReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Te Maire Martin
Match Officials
- Referee: Todd Smith
- Touch Judge: Matt Noyen
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
The back row features last week's try-scorer Nat Butcher and Angus Crichton, with Victor Radley once again locking up the scrum.
Ben Thomas will make his first appearance of the season from the interchange bench alongside livewire Connor Watson, utility Drew Hutchison and rookie front rower Terrell May.
The extended bench features Adam Keighran, Fletcher Baker, Kevin Naiqama, Renouf Atoni and Siua Wong.
Brisbane will be without Wally Lewis Medallist Patrick Carrigan through suspension, which will no doubt be a blow to their engine room - however, they will be boosted by the timely return of his Maroons teammate Selwyn Cobbo on the wing.
Key Match Up: Angus Crichton vs Kurt Capewell
With both forward packs missing key members through injury and suspension, State of Origin stars Angus Crichton and Kurt Capewell will need to lift in order to help their side claim the two competition points.
Capewell may have had the last laugh in the Origin arena as he heavily contributed to the Maroons' series victory, however, Crichton has shown more consistency through the NRL season to date in 2022.
The 26-year-old has been a mainstay for the Tricolours in the back row since his arrival in 2019, and this season he has shown why he will be pushing for a spot in the Kangaroos' World Cup squad come the end of the season.
With five more games in town this year, Crichton has averaged an impressive 115 metres, showing as much prowess in defence with a 94.2% tackling efficiency and has racked up seventeen offloads, leading his fellow forwards in that category.
His opposite in Capewell - a veteran of the competition and Premiership winner in 2021 - has been strong in his first season at the Broncos; in fourteen matches he has averaged 69 metres, 88.6% efficiency in defence with five offloads.
While those numbers may pale in comparison, Capewell has a reputation as a big-game player, and so Crichton and co will need to be on their toes to produce their fourth consecutive victory.
What They Said
Final Verdict
As the finals race heats up, the Roosters have continued their run towards cementing a spot in the playoffs - and Brisbane will prove to be a worthy opponent to test out their credentials.
To celebrate our final three matches at the hallowed SCG, be sure to Call Yourself a Rooster with Farewell SCG Membership to access the final remaining home matches and get yourself a 2022 Members scarf, 20% off additional tickets and 10% off Official Merchandise!
Don't forget to support the Club and Women's Rugby League and sign up for 2022 NRLW Membership as the Roosters begin their quest to retain the Premiership trophy!
For those looking to cheer on the Red, White and Blue, grab your tickets for Thursday night's game here!
