Thursday’s NRL 2018 Round 9 match is between Brisbane Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:50 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 Canterbury Bulldogs.
When: 19:50 | Thursday 03/05/2018
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Preview:
Last week we got the privilege of watching teenage sensation Payne Hass debut for the Broncos and what a memorable one it was for him.
In a 20-minute stint, he was able to show the NRL world that he belongs and is here to stay.
NSW eligible this year and up against three current Blues forwards, I can’t wait to see the young 18-year-old go at it.
More off-field sagas continue to hang around clubs and Des Hasler’s court case could involve some of the players.
Personally speaking, I can’t see it being a problem, however every team is different.
The Dogs have really been growing with their performances and will definitely be charged for the battle at Suncorp.
KEY BATTLE: James Roberts v Will Hopoate
I’m looking forward to seeing the two centres, Will Hopoate and Jimmy Roberts.
Both players have been in great form for their teams and can really break a game apart.
Hopoate was excellent last week running for a high of 164 metres while the Jet had 5 tackle breaks and a try in what was a busy night for him.
I actually feel these two could be the match winners depending on who has the better night.
The Verdict
Brisbane have been hit with another injury to Josh McGuire, which will make for another reshuffle and they’re still yet to field the same 13 all year.
Bulldogs aren’t without their own concerns and that will make for a close one.
Get on Corey Oates for first try scorer.
The Broncos winger has scored a try in each of his last five appearances when the Broncos have been home favourites.
Unibet Odds:
Brisbane Broncos at $1.48
Canterbury Bulldogs at $2.70
Odds:
OFFER: Deposit $50 BET with $200 via this link – Ends Soon!
Tip: Brisbane Broncos at $1.45
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Jamayne Isaako at $10.00
More Info:
Teams:
Brisbane Broncos:
1 Darius Boyd (c), 2 Corey Oates, 3 James Roberts, 4 Tom Opacic, 5 Jamayne Isaako, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Jack Bird, 8 Matthew Lodge, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Sam Thaiday, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Jaydn Su’A, 13 Tevita Pangai jnr Interchange: 14 Payne Haas, 15 Joe Ofahengaue, 16 Kodi Nikorima, 17 Korbin Sims Reserves: 18 Jonus Pearson, 19 Todd Murphy, 20 Sam Tagataese, 21 Patrick Mogo.
Canterbury Bulldogs: 
1 Moses Mbye, 2 Brett Morris, 3 Josh Morris, 4 Will Hopoate, 5 Marcelo Montoya, 6 Jeremy Marshall-King, 7 Kieran Foran, 8 Aaron Woods, 9 Michael Lichaa, 10 David Klemmer, 11 Josh Jackson (c), 12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner, 13 Adam Elliott Interchange: 14 Clay Priest, 15 Danny Fualalo, 16 Asipeli Fine, 17 Kerrod Holland Reserves: 18 John Olive, 19 Rhyse Martin, 20 Renouf Toomaga, 21 Matthew Frawley.
NRL News:
Brisbane have sparked their NRL season with a thrilling 24-20 defeat of South Sydney at ANZ Stadium.
In years to come, the game might well be best remembered for the debut of teenage prodigy Payne Haas. He reinforced his star qualities with an outstanding debut on Thursday night for the Broncos.
The 194cm, 117kg giant ran for 86 metres despite only being on the field for 21 minutes.
“You’re seeing the birth of a superstar,” Phil Gould said on the Nine Network commentary.
The Broncos have concerns over Josh McGuire, with the lock-cum-hooker spending most of the second half on the bench with an ankle injury.
The Broncos looked in control for much of the second term, however a John Sutton try in the 64th minute set up a grandstand finish.
The Rabbitohs threw everything at the Broncos in the final 10 minutes but couldn’t come up with a match winner for skipper Greg Inglis in his 250th first-grade game.
Kodi Nikorima, who was dumped last week from the starting side, sparked the Broncos off the bench.
He was controversially denied a try by the video referee just before the break as the home side carried a 12-6 halftime lead, thanks to an Alex Johnston runaround play.
But the Broncos’ super sub evened up the scores in the 50th minute when he darted between Sutton and Cody Walker.
Winger Corey Oates was also outstanding, running for 213 metres and scoring a barnstorming try in which he beat four defenders when there appeared to be nothing on.
Oates’ try gave the Broncos the lead for the first time before Anthony Milford displayed his vastly improved kicking game with a deft grubber for a flying James Roberts.
Earlier, it took just seven minutes for the Rabbitohs to strike first when Jack Bird made a mess of an Adam Reynolds grubber and Walker pounced on the spoils.
The Broncos evened things up when Milford ran it on the last and Oates beat Richie Kennar in a race for the ball.
But many believed scores should have been level after the bunker controversially ruled Nikorima had been held up by Johnston, despite some evidence he had grounded the ball.
