Round 6 vs. Canberra Raiders Discussion

[Big Pete]

Brisbane Broncos vs. Canberra Raiders
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 8 April 2023
Kick Off: 7:30pm

1. Reece Walsh 2. Jesse Arthars 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Selwyn Cobbo 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Flegler 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Corey Jensen 17. Martin Taupau

18. Jordan Pereira 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Kobe Hetherington 21. Jock Madden 22. Xavier Willison

1. Sebastian Kris 2. Albert Hopoate 3. Jarrod Croker 4. Matthew Timoko 5. Jordan Rapana 6. Brad Schneider 7. Jamal Fogarty 8. Josh Papali'i 9. Zac Woolford 10. Joseph Tapine 11. Hudson Young 12. Elliott Whitehead 13. Corey Horsburgh

14. Tom Starling 15. Emre Guler 16. Pasami Saulo 17. Corey Harawira-Naera

18. James Schiller 19. Trey Mooney 20. Peter Hola 21. Harley Smith-Shields 22. Clay Webb​

 

[Big Pete]

Brisbane are 1-17 for the clash.

Riki is still struggling with a groin injury. Brendan Piakura lined up in his spot after an impressive game for Norths in their draw with the Magpies. Jordan is still expected to be right for Saturday night.

Canberra are coming off a 53-6 drubbing and some serious questions are being asked of their club. Their backs will be against the wall, and I'd expect them to take an ultra-physical approach to the clash.

Brisbane are still expected to win, but they'll need to show some patience with the football to topple the Raiders. They'll also have to shut down the second phase, especially for Tapine who had a field day against the Broncos in last year's corrosponding game.

 

[Big Pete]

Canberra Raiders 20 def. Brisbane Broncos 14 (Selwyn Cobbo, Jordan Riki, Jesse Arthars tries; Adam Reynolds 1/2, Kotoni Staggs 0/1 goals)

5-1

A real disappointing loss for the Broncos. Canberra were without Jack Wighton and Joseph Tapine and despite warning the Broncos they were planning an ambush, the Broncos just couldn't handle the physcality of the contest.

One of the most telling moments was when Reece Walsh opted to throw a flick pass when he was over the line.

They started the second half much the same way as they did against the Dragons but off the back of a poor kick-chase allowed Seb Kris to run the better part of 50m and those lapses allowed the Raiders to get back into the contest.

There was a controversial decision just before full-time where Rapana lost the ball in the tackle before he went to ground. The ball was alive for Capewell to pick up and score, but the referee called it back for a knock on. Then the bunker intervened and deemed that Taupau was careless for his attempt of tackle.

Even so, had the decision gone the Broncos way it would have papered over a bad performce. Out-wrestled, out-enthused and out-smarted.

 

[League guru]

The Bronks may need to cancel those "Premiers 2023" tee shirts they were getting printed.

 

[Big Pete]

The Bronks may need to cancel those "Premiers 2023" tee shirts they were getting printed.

I've been wearing my March Premiers 2023 shirt with pride.