Saturday’s NRL 2018 Round 16 match is between Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:35 local time with the game to be played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. The home team Brisbane Broncos are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders.
When: 19:35 | Saturday 30/06/2018
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Preview:
All games are important for the teams outside of the top 8 but this one inparticular is crucial for both sides to stay in touch.
Brisbane are in 8th spot with the Raiders in 9th.
One of the toughest road trips is heading to Canberra in winter but thankfully they won’t be doing that this time around.
Brisbane have their full contingent back for this one outside of Matt Gillett.
I’m expecting hulking young tyro Tevita Pangai Jr to play after his barnstorming display against the Sharks before he was sidelined with that rib injury.
The return of Canberra’s inspirational hooker Josh Hodgson was immediate and his inclusion is perfect timing.
His ability to bring guys onto the ball and generate ruck speed will be definitely something they’ll be looking for.
He’s a smart and crafty no.9 as well.
KEY BATTLE: Broncos forwards v Raiders forwards
Both teams really struggle to dominate or win games when their forwards don’t do a job early.
Look for TPJ to pay extra attention to this one as he left Canberra with a sour taste to come play for Brisbane.
The Verdict
Broncos back at home are always hard to beat and I feel they will have a good fight on their hands but will get the 2 points in a close one.
Brisbane has a 72-37 (66.1 percent) W/L record as a home team since 2010.
Unibet Odds:
Brisbane at $1.57
Canberra at $2.43
Odds:
Tip: Brisbane Broncos at $1.65
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Jamayne Isaako at $11
More Info:
Teams:
Brisbane Broncos:
1 Darius Boyd (c), 2 Corey Oates, 3 James Roberts, 4 Jordan Kahu, 5 Jamayne Isaako, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Kodi Nikorima, 8 Matthew Lodge, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Sam Thaiday, 11 Tevita Pangai jnr, 12 Jaydn Su’A, 13 Josh McGuire
Interchange: 14 Patrick Mago, 15 Joe Ofahengaue, 16 Tom Opacic, 17 Alex Glenn
Reserves: 18 Korbin Sims, 19 Troy Dargan, 20 Sam Tagataese, 21 David Fifita, 22 Kotoni Staggs, 23 Gehamat Shibasaki.
Canberra Raiders: 
1 Jack Wighton, 2 Nick Cotric, 3 Jarrod Croker (c), 4 Joseph Leilua, 5 Michael Oldfield, 6 Blake Austin, 7 Aidan Sezer, 8 Iosia Soliola, 9 Josh Hodgson, 10 Shannon Boyd, 11 Joseph Tapine, 12 Elliott Whitehead, 13 Josh Papalii
Interchange: 14 Siliva Havili, 15 Junior Paulo, 16 Dunamis Lui, 17 Liam Knight
Reserves: 18 Jack Burchie, 19 Charlie Gubb, 20 Craig Garvey, 21 Brad Abbey.
NRL News:
Brisbane captain Darius Boyd says the Broncos would be “silly” to let Wayne Bennett go after missing out on Craig Bellamy.
Bennett is off contract next year but will detail his future plans to the Broncos’ board on June 27 after the NRL club lost their tug of war over Bellamy to Melbourne.
The Storm on Sunday confirmed Bellamy will remain at the club until 2021 in a three-season deal believed to be worth $4 million.
Seven-time premiership-winner Bennett has made no secret of his desire to keep coaching despite turning 69 on January 1.
Bennett may yet get a new deal with the Broncos board’s options appearing limited after the Bellamy snub followed North Queensland coach Paul Green also knocking back overtures from Red Hill.
Boyd admits he has a biased view after playing under Bennett his entire 13-season NRL career but claims the Broncos players want the master coach to stay.
“Wayne has been a big part of my career on and off the field,” Boyd said.
“I’d like to see him stay on. If he’s got the passion and the drive to do it, it would be silly to let him go.
“As a player, as the captain and someone who has been with Wayne my whole career – and I know the boys feel the same way – we would love to see Wayne stay around.”
Boyd said age was no barrier for Bennett, who hopes to coach into his 70s with a new multi-year deal.
The Brisbane skipper dismissed reports that Bennett was losing touch with his players in his 25th season at the Broncos helm.
“Definitely not. At the end of the day stories need to be written, that is always going to be the way,” Boyd said.
“Every year you get older either as a player or a coach you are probably one step closer to retirement so you have to keep fighting those battles.
“But if you come to work wanting to do better and get the best out of yourself and your team I think there is no reason why he should be giving it away.”
Bennett appears in a less tenuous position thanks to the Bellamy snub just weeks after Broncos CEO Paul White was forced to address the media and confirm the veteran would see out his contract in 2019.
“Wayne has definitely got a contract for next year which is pleasing. I know the boys love having him around,” Boyd said.
“But that (Bennett’s future) is up to Paul White and the board to work out with Wayne.”
