Roosters vs Broncos Round 1 betting tips & NRL preview | 6/3/25

Roosters v Broncos NRL R1 best bets

NRL Round 1: Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos preview

The Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos kick off their 2025 NRL campaigns at Allianz Stadium this Thursday night in what shapes as a fascinating contest between two sides heading in different directions.

The Roosters enter a rebuilding phase after losing key players like Luke Keary, Joseph Manu, and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, while injuries to Sam Walker, Egan Butcher, and Brandon Smith leave them short on experience. New signing Chad Townsend starts in the halves alongside Sandon Smith, while rugby convert Mark Nawaqanitawase and debutant Robert Toia form a fresh centre pairing.

Brisbane, under new coach Michael Maguire, will look to re-establish themselves as premiership contenders. The return of Ben Hunt adds experience alongside Adam Reynolds in the halves, while Gehamat Shibasaki gets a chance at centre with Kotoni Staggs injured. The Broncos dominated their pre-season trials, outscoring opponents 80-26, and their powerful forward pack led by Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan will be tough to handle.

The Roosters’ pre-season defensive issues were evident in losses to the Knights and Dragons, while the Broncos have been sharp with the ball. If Brisbane control the middle, their playmakers should capitalise on a shaky Roosters defence.

The Broncos enter as heavy favourites at -238.1 with leading NRL bookmakers, and they look well placed to cover the -7.5 line.

Roosters v Broncos Rd 1 team news

Sydney Roosters

1. James Tedesco
2. Daniel Tupou
3. Mark Nawaqanitawase
4. Robert Toia
5. Dominic Young
6. Sandon Smith
7. Chad Townsend
8. Lindsay Collins
9. Connor Watson
10. Naufahu Whyte
11. Angus Crichton
12. Victor Radley
13. Nat Butcher
14. Zach Dockar-Clay
15. Siua Wong
16. Blake Steep
17. Salesi Foketi

The Roosters field a new-look backline, with Mark Nawaqanitawase shifting to centre and Robert Toia on debut. Chad Townsend partners Sandon Smith in the halves, while Naufahu Whyte starts in the front row.

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Brisbane Broncos

1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Deine Mariner
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Jordan Riki
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Billy Walters
15. Corey Jensen
16. Xavier Willison
17. Brendan Piakura

The Broncos make a key change in the spine with Ben Hunt replacing the suspended Ezra Mam at five-eighth, while Cory Paix starts at hooker. Gehamat Shibasaki takes Kotoni Staggs’ centre spot.

Roosters v Broncos betting predictions

The Broncos are well positioned to start the Maguire era with a dominant performance. Brisbane have won just two of their last nine against the Roosters, but this Sydney team is vastly different from previous years. Brisbane’s forward pack should control the contest, allowing Hunt and Reynolds to steer the team to victory. The Broncos to cover -7.5 at -111.11 is the standout bet with BetOnline.

Jesse Arthars has emerged as a reliable tryscorer for the Broncos, finishing 2024 strongly and continuing that form into the trials. Playing outside Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt, he will get plenty of attacking opportunities, especially if Brisbane control the middle of the field. With the Roosters’ defensive reshuffle, Arthars presents great value to score anytime at +115 with Marantelli Bet.

Given Brisbane’s impressive attacking form in trials, where they scored a combined 80 points, and the Roosters’ defensive frailties, this match has all the makings of a high-scoring contest. Sydney’s new-look backline may take time to gel, while Brisbane’s spine looks dangerous from the outset. If the Broncos dominate possession, expect them to rack up points, making the over 43.5 total points at -111.11 with Marantelli Bet a strong play.

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