When the Broncos run out onto Suncorp on Friday night to host the Roosters, with only the unbeaten Bulldogs above them in the 2025 NRL Premiership Ladder, they will do so with a growing confidence that Madge Maguire’s newly injected discipline is building momentum and delivering results. Yet there is still plenty of scope in the tank.
The Roosters however are stuck in the quagmire of wooden spoon contention with only 1 win from their first five games.
The Broncos delivered five tries in the second half last week against the improved Wests Tigers in front of 41,012 at Suncorp but 14-12 at half-time was not the dominant start they were hoping for. The half-time lead only secured by a Xavier Willison try on 37 minutes, a feat he repeated just after half time to extend the lead.
Bronco’s General, Adam Reynolds, came off injured with a tweaked hamstring, after kicking a goal on 45 minutes which he said he only put 40% of power into, as his leg was not right.
“I was looking for someone else to take the kick, but they all had their back turned,” he said.
Darren Lockyer has advocated for resting Reynolds against the Roosters despite Madge naming him in the staring lineup. Having only played 13 games last season, the 34 year old’s rest management could turn out to be key to maintain momentum for the Broncos and with Billy Walters having a strong start to the season, Lockyer’s view seems the sensible option.
Ben Hunt’s 40-20 was a big moment last week and the classic Reynolds chip-chase try were key momentum builders. Madge called out another massive shift from Paddy Carrigan, with Willison taking advantage of the Haas/Carrigan efforts.
Brendan Piakura will sit the next two games out, a suspension for a high tackle charge. Piakura, binned in the 19th minute, was also on a concussion protocol from the Wests Tigers game. Jaiyden Hunt takes his place in the backrow.
For the Roosters, debutant halfback Hugo Savala replaces Chad Townsend and Nat Butcher replaces the injured Maroons legend, Lindsay Collins, at prop. Savala, a 194cm and 96kg unit having come through the Roosters academy, gives the Roosters a new look, with a strong rep for his show and go.
Madge will be focused on maintaining the momentum and hoping the Broncos firepower with or without Reynolds will be enough to overcome a struggling Roosters. Kick-off is at 8:00 p.m. at Suncorp.
The game will be broadcast live on Nine, Kayo and Foxtel.
