Allianz Stadium will play host to Thursday's Round 1 NRL game between Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 8:00 pm with Brisbane Broncos heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Sydney Roosters vs. Brisbane Broncos game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Thursday March 6, 2025 at 8:00 pm
Where: Allianz Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos Odds
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos Preview
Two high-profile clubs under plenty of pressure square off in the first Thursday night match of 2025, with the new-look Sydney Roosters hosting a Brisbane Broncos outfit starting life under a new coach.
Finishing a creditable third before going down to Melbourne at the preliminary final stage, the Roosters have lost six top-liners, while key spine members Sam Walker and Brandon Smith are on the long-term injured list.
The Roosters will field union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase and debutant Roberto Toia in the centres, while Sandon Smith and Chad Townsend take over in the halves. The starting pack brims with rep quality despite suspended Spencer Leniu’s absence, but it’s a young Tricolours bench.
The Broncos punted Kevin Walters less than 12 months after reaching the grand final, entrusting Michael Maguire’s hard-nosed approach to get the best out of a mouth-watering array of talent.
Ben Hunt returns to partner Adam Reynolds in one of the oldest halves combinations of all time, providing direction for the exuberant likes of Reece Walsh and Selwyn Cobbo to follow.
Gehamat Shibasaki is in the centres for the suspended Kotoni Staggs, while Cory Paix starts at hooker with Billy Walters on the bench. Jack Gosiewski is a surprise second-row selection with Brendan Piakura on the interchange, and Pat Carrigan goes to prop with Kobe Hetherington at lock.
The Roosters have dominated this rivalry in recent years, winning seven of their last nine against the Broncos. They one a high-quality match in Las Vegas 20-10 last year and backed it up with a 40-18 drubbing at Suncorp Stadium in Round 9.
The Broncos won the pre-season challenge with big wins over the Titans and Bulldogs, while the Roosters suffered heavy defeats to the Dragons and Roosters.
Despite the presence of Tedesco, Tupou, Collins, Watson, Collins, Chrichton and Radley, the Tricolours’ inexperience in the backline, a halves pairing of dubious quality and questionable forward depth off the bench makes them even harder to get behind straight off the bat.
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Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos Tip
We're tipping Brisbane Broncos to win at $1.35 odds.
Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos Teams
Roosters team: 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 18. Hugo Savala 19. Taylor Losalu 20. Ethan King 21. Fetalaiga Pauga 22. Makahesi Makatoa
Broncos team: 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 18. Tyson Smoothy 19. Delouise Hoeter 20. Martin Taupau 21. Benjamin Te Kura 22. Jaiyden Hunt
