Broncos v Sea Eagles preview
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Wednesday, August 1, 2007 - 1:22 PM
The Broncos lobbied to get this 20th-year reunion clash, commemorating their historic 44-10 victory over Manly in their first ever premiership game in 1988, switched from round 10 so they could field a full-strength side boasting their formidable representative players.
But wouldnt you know it, injuries have conspired to deplete the line-up and theyll take the field against the second-placed Sea Eagles minus Darren Lockyer, Karmichael Hunt and Brent Tate.
On the plus side, Justin Hodges returns after missing three rounds.
Much has been made in the press about several teams injury woes in 2007 but the Broncos seem to be covering for the loss of talent better than any other theyve won six of their past seven games and their only glitch was a gutsy four-point loss to the Eels a fortnight ago
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The Sea Eagles continue to prove their doubters wrong. Theyve won their past four in a row to go with other streaks of six and four this year and have just four losses for the season. That sees them pressing the Storm, just two points adrift in minor premiership race.
They were impressive against the Eels last week, turning a halftime deficit into an eight-point victory.
Along the way they erased their second hoodoo in consecutive weeks first it was the 21-year jinx at Shark Park, last week it was winning at Parramatta Stadium for the first time since 1997.
Their only selection change sees evergreen performer Steve Menzies start at centre for the injured Steve Matai who has again succumbed to a neck complaint.
The Sea Eagles will miss Matais physicality, particularly in attack out wide, but with Menzies defence theyll want for nothing.
Michael Ennis remains injured for the Broncos, who again turn to Shane Perry at halfback, while back-up hooker Ian Lacey and makeshift five-eighth Tonie Carroll have been named despite being forced from the ground with injuries last week.
Watch out Broncos: The Sea Eagles are masters at generating excellent second-phase opportunities.
Their 270 offloads this year (14.2 per game) ranks them second in the NRL behind the Warriors (283). Theyre led by the likes of skilful second-rower Glenn Stewart (39) and his brother Brett (27), plus Anthony Watmough (26), Jamie Lyon (22) and Brent Kite (20).
Dynamic interchange Adam Cuthbertson has caught the bug too hes made 20 offloads from just nine appearances.
Its clear the Broncos big forwards need to ensure their tackles are effective and they make one-on-ones when they need to fortunately for them theyve made more crucial one-on-ones than any other side this year (612).
Watch out Sea Eagles: Sean Berrigan is out to make the most of his last few games in Broncos colours before heading off to the English Super league.
Over the past fortnight Berrigan has displayed the form that earned him last years Churchill Medal; against the Sharks he dictated as he pleased, making 89 touches, nine runs for 51 metres, 18 tackles, four kicks for 168 metres and a try assist.
Hes a livewire the Sea Eagles need to clamp down on.
Where it will be won: If the Sea Eagles maintain a fast tempo it could find the bigger Broncos forwards out.
The Broncos gameplan is simple dash out of dummy half and get a good forward roll-on, courtesy of the likes of Petero Civoniceva (his 324 hit-ups are the second most in the NRL) who averages 158 metres a game, before hitting and spinning and sending the ball wide.
Theres not a great deal of variation in the Brisbane play they rank a lowly 14th for offloads, preferring to grind away to gain territory while limiting mistakes.
This will suit the Sea Eagles, who will be keen to get the big men moving around in an effort to wear them out.
Look for the visitors to deploy some strike moves from set plays, especially scrums inside the Broncos 20-metre line, with the ball sweeping wide to try-scoring vultures Brett Stewart and Michael Robertson (12 apiece) and Chris Hicks (nine).
The History: Played 27; Broncos 15, Sea Eagles 11, drawn 1. These two sides have only met eight times over the past eight years, with the honours four games each.
The Sea Eagles beat a committed baby Broncos 18-6 at Brookvale Oval in round 10 but the broncos won both games in 2006. Importantly the Broncos hold a 7-2 edge at Suncorp Stadium.
Conclusion: A record crowd is expected at Suncorp for this commemorative clash, with past Broncos greats set to be paraded to a great reception.
No doubt that will lift the home side but they are coming up against a team that competes with pressure better than any other.
Getting behind early wont worry the Sea Eagles theyve been behind at the break nine times in 2007.
They know how to turn the tide theyve managed to contain their opponents to just one second-half try on a remarkable 14 occasions this year.
They did it last week in front of a vocal (and hostile) Parramatta audience, so 40,000+ screaming Broncos fans wont worry them. Much depends on Justin Hodges impact for the home side he has an average gain of 161 metres and is their most prolific line-breaker with 14.
Theyll need him to hit the ground running. Shapes as the match of the round.
Match officials: Referee Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials Matt Cecchin & Bernard Sutton; Video ref Graeme West.
Televised: Channel 9 Delayed 4.00pm; FoxSports 3 Delayed 6.00pm.
* Statistics: NRL Stats.
