Broncos v Panthers NRL R12 betting tips – May 18, 2023

Round 12 of the NRL Premiership kicks off in Brisbane this Thursday night with the Broncos hosting the Penrith Panthers in a Suncorp Stadium blockbuster.

The Broncos have been forced to make one change with Adam Reynolds (concussion) sitting out after a category two grading for the head knock he sustained in Melbourne against the Storm. Jock Madden has been named as his replacement. The Panthers, meanwhile, have made no changes to the side that belted the Roosters at BlueBet Stadium last week.

These two sides are meeting for the second time this season, after the Broncos secured a one-point victory in Penrith in the opening round. Reynolds was a major factor in that win, and his absence is sure to be keenly felt.

Spurred on by a vocal home crowd, the Broncos should still be able to compete with the Panthers for the full 80 minutes. Even without their star halfback, Brisbane can do enough to cover the +8.5 line on offer with the top NRL betting sites.

Jarome Luai has put his name up in lights in the lead-up to the 2023 State of Origin series. His electric footwork and agility was on full display last week as he sliced his way through the Roosters side to score a try and assist two more. Look for Luai to repeat this performance against Madden, who has played just 80 minutes of NRL this season, as he goes on to score another try at any time during the match ($3.75).

One of the most famous rugby league sayings is ‘defence wins premierships’ — something the Panthers know all too well, and Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters has spent years teaching his players. Thursday night is the perfect trial for the Broncos, without Reynolds, to work on their defensive effort and test themselves to find out where they rank in comparison to the Panthers. These two sides are both in the top four in defence this season, which should make this a low-scoring match with less than 39.5 total points ($1.90).

Key matchup: Carrigan v Yeo

Patrick Carrigan vs Isaah Yeo

Patrick Carrigan and Isaah Yeo are two of, if not the two best lock-forwards in rugby league. Both have brilliant ball skills and passing games, linking their halves partners while also playing at first receiver to give their playmakers more time and space. Both are also incredibly strong ball-carriers. Carrigan will be the key for the Broncos to help give his new, young halves pairing the time and space they need to execute their skills.

Broncos v Panthers match prediction

Broncos v Panthers same game multi

More sports betting tips