Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters Preview
James Tedesco plays his 200th game for the Roosters and Sydney are backed to cover a -6.5 line on the landmark occasion. It is set to be another tough day at the office for a Brisbane side on a six-game losing streak.
- Brisbane have lost six straight games and conceded 218 points in that run.
- The Roosters have won nine of their last 12 games against the Broncos.
- Brisbane have not beaten the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium since 2019.
- James Tedesco plays his 200th game for the Roosters.
Head to Head Stats
The Roosters have controlled this matchup, winning four of the last five meetings and nine of the last 12 overall. Four of Brisbane's last five losses to the Roosters have been by double digits, including the 38-24 defeat in Round 9.
Brisbane Broncos Form - Six Straight Losses
Across their last five games, the Broncos have lost by 28, 30, 4, 5 and 42 points, while averaging only 14.2 points scored and 36.0 conceded.
Walsh, Staggs and Haas returning gives them a better side on paper, but the halves issue is not small.
Reynolds is out with a hamstring injury, Mam is out with a shoulder injury and Hunt has to run the side from halfback in a game where Brisbane need points quickly.
There is still enough talent for Brisbane to challenge for periods, especially through Walsh and Staggs on home turf. The problem is sustaining it for 80 minutes, and that has been the exact issue throughout this losing streak.
Sydney Roosters Form - Top 4 Despite Inconsistencies
The Roosters have been inconsistent since beating Brisbane in Round 9, but they remain fourth and this is a matchup they have handled repeatedly.
Their forward pack should fancy this against a Broncos side ranked 17th in run metres and 16th defending run metres.
Hugo Savala returns from concussion, James Tedesco is set to play despite a broken nose and the halves pairing of Daly Cherry-Evans and Sam Walker gives the Roosters plenty of attacking class.
If they get field position, the Broncos' edge defence is there to be exposed.