What a great fixture of NRL action we have coming up in Round 16. This week we will begin to see Top 8 teams try to assert their dominance over their opponents in matches that could be critical come September, while lowly placed teams fight just to keep their season alive. While we will see 15 v 16 on the NRL Ladder battle it out, we will also be privilaged to watch 1 v 2 and 3 v 4, and this is where this clash takes us. The Broncos (3rd) are at home to the Rabbitohs (4th) in a clash which is going to give punters a great guide to where both teams are at in terms of their premiership credentials. Whilst the Broncos are familiar with the position that they are in, it is definitely unfamiliar territory for Souths at this point of the season. Normally, they find themselves either at the bottom of the table of just fighting to stay in touch with the 8. But things have turned around this year under new coach Michael Maguire and they are a team that should worry others coming into September. First things first, they have to take on the Broncos at home. A very young and raw team with plenty of talent and potential to use. A team that holds their home ground as a definiate advantage over the rest of the competiton. Their coach, Anthony Griffin, has done a fantastic job of motivating his players each week and playing some great football. They are the benefit of some great direction under Peter Wallace at 7 and are seemingly coping with the retirement of Darren Lockyer very well. Nonetheless, this is the stage of the season which becomes very difficult for young players. The part of the season which seems to resemble "no man's land" and the mental toughness of an individual is definitely tested. This is where the experience and guidance of Lockyer could be recognised and sorely missed. In saying that, they do have a healthy roster of SOO and International players that will no doubt mentor the younger players. The winner of this clash is almost certain of finals football (if they both aren't now), while the loser is taking down a few pegs and caught up with the log jam of teams that are on 18 points. This is definitely a game that many will be tuning in to watch!
Brisbane Broncos
The Broncos went up north and faced old rivals the Cowboys in a very tough clash last week, losing 12-0. They were certainly tested and the fact that they were not able to score any points was a big whack to their pride. But their performance will be better for that clash this week and it must be noted that in that game they were missing several SOO players who were either injuried or rested. This week they are welcoming back captain Sam Thaiday from an injury that ruled him out of SOO 2. They are also glad to have centre Justin Hodges back as well as Corey Parker who suffered a horrific gash to his lower leg in SOO 2. Parker was not named but both players were passed fit to play on Thursday after completing a fitness test. And then their is Petro...a player who this week returns to play his 300th NRL game. Is is great that he gets to complete this milestone in a Brisbane jersey in front of a home crowd. He has not only been a great servant to the Broncos, but a great servant to the game who is a role model that younger players should definitely strive to immulate. Josh McGuire was named at lock and Matt Gillet and Ben Te'o shift back to the bench but expect there to be a few late changes to the side that will take the field. In late news coming out of Brisbane, Ben Hannat is said to be ruled out of this match with injury, so again, make sure that you are watching the final team changes listed in Fridays publications. No doubt Corey Parker will be the player to come into the lineup.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
THere is no changes to the team that beat the last placed Eels 24-6 on Saturday night. Fullback Greg Inglis was named in the team despite picking up what appeared to be either a shoulder or elbow injury in that match. I would expect him to play this match such is the talent and determination of this individual, but there is also the point that he will be looking to press his claims for the vacant QLD fullback spot with the recent injury to Slater. One would expect that QLD will go with this option but many reports in recent weeks have suggested that perhaps QLD might not. He will be a big factor in Souths either winning or losing this game. It should also be noted that Souths still have a host of players missing this clash through injury which at this point of the season, is serverly testing their depth. Expect their big forward pack to take it to the Broncos pack early and set a good platform for their halves and outside backs to work off.
Recent History
Overall = Broncos 20 - Draw 1 - Rabbitohs 5
Last 5 games = Broncos 3 - Rabbitohs 2
At Suncorp = Broncos 8 - Rabbitohs 2
Odds
TAB Sportsbet = Broncos $1.45 Rabbitohs $2.80
Centrebet = Broncos $1.45 Rabbitohs $2.80
Sportsbet = Broncos $1.45 Rabbitohs $2.80
Verdict
This is a very tough game to pick. The Broncos get a few stars coming back into the lineup and are at home. Throw in the fact that they are also coming off a last start loss to the Cowboys and they certainly have a good basis that sets them up for a win in this game. Obviously, Souths will have to take a step up to the next level if they are to win this one, but if they did, it would certainly make the rest of the competition take notice of them. Another thing that Souths must also combat is their tendency to make a lot of mistakes at crucial point in the game. But to be on the safe side of things in this game, it would be very hard to go past the Broncos.
Suggested Bet
Broncos1-12 @ $3
Rabbitohs Super Line = Rabbitohs +10.5 @ $1.55 - If you think that the Bunnies will make a good fist of this match and are some chance, then take them with a big start. Not enough, they are also at +14.5 ($1.35) and +16.5 ($1.26).
First Try Scorers = Justin Hodges ($11) or Jack Reed ($13) - The one weakness which I see defensively in Souths does appear to be in their centres. Look at the players that will be attacking them and perhaps you have two players to choose from.
Good luck!
Scooby
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