Broncos v Roosters NRL R22 tips & best odds – July 27, 2023

Broncos v Roosters NRL best bets

Broncos v Roosters match preview

Round 22 of the 2023 NRL Premiership kicks off in Brisbane with the Broncos hosting the Sydney Roosters at The Gabba on Thursday night. Both sides won comfortably in round 21, but will the Roosters be able to win in Queensland and continue building towards the NRL finals?

The Brisbane Broncos delivered mixed news when team lists were announced on Tuesday afternoon. Martin Taupau and Jesse Arthars are both out suspended. Thomas Flegler returns from a foot injury to start in the front row with Deine Mariner being called from the reserves to start on the wing. Brendan Piakura has been named again to start in the second row, but Broncos coach Kevin Walters may make another late change when final team lists are given prior to kick off.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has made several changes to his side after their demolition job over the Titans. Victor Radley has been named in the starting lock position for the first time since injuring his hamstring in round 17. Nathan Brown will begin on the interchange bench and Siua Wong has dropped back to the reserves.

Broncos v Roosters betting predictions

The Sydney Roosters‘ win last week pushed them up to 12th place on the NRL ladder, just one win away from the top eight. Unfortunately for the visitors, the Broncos have won seven of their last eight games and have been one of the most consistent sides in the NRL this season. Brisbane should do enough to get up by the 1-12 margin at $2.90 odds with the top NRL bookmakers.

The Roosters performed phenomenally for 65 minutes against the Titans last week before fatigue set in around the middle third. Two of the Titans’ tries were scored on the Roosters’ right edge, where Broncos leader Kurt Capewell will be attacking. The second-rower has an incredible ability to score tries in a variety of ways, but primarily from short kicks. If Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam can find fatigue in the Roosters’ right-side defence, Capewell could score another try ($3.75) in an exceptional value play for punters.

The Broncos are the second-best defensive team in the NRL, and the Roosters are still the second-worst attacking team. As the Broncos head towards the NRL finals, with memories of their failed 2022 season in mind, defence will be a priority. Expect a low-scoring match with less than 43.5 total points ($1.91).

Key matchup: Payne Haas v Jared Waerea-Hargraves

Payne Haas vs Jared Waerea-Hargraves

The battle in the middle of the field between Broncos star Payne Haas and Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargraves will be a defining factor of this match. JWH is certain to set the tone with his physicality in defence in a bid to upset the rhythm of the Broncos’ forward pack. Haas’ late passing, offloading skills and footwork will be key to countering the impact of Waerea-Hargraves and giving the Broncos an advantage in the forwards.

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