Thursday’s NRL 2018 Round 20 match is between Brisbane Broncos and Cronulla Sharks. 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 Cronulla Sharks.
When: 19:50 | Thursday 26/07/2018
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Preview:
What better way to kick off round 20 with the Sharks v the Broncos!
Two sides that are very familiar with finals footy and know what it takes to get there.
Both teams are coming off good wins and from Brisbane’s end it was their most complete game for 2018 putting 50 on the Panthers.
Cronulla would no doubt be looking to get square after losing to Brisbane earlier at home.
Like all Broncos followers, I too hope Tevita Pangai Jr is fit to play.
We all know the type of destruction he can cause.
He’s a real x-factor in their side.
Very hard to handle.
The Sharks have given their opposition plenty of chances to come back and snatch victory but will be looking to erase that this week.
KEY BATTLE: Matt Moylan v Anthony Milford
The matchup of Matt Moylan v Anthony Milford is key for mine.
Both in good form and such key individuals.
Milford has really started to bring his running game into play which I’m sure the Cronulla forwards won’t want to see this week.
On the other hand, Moylan has been superb across the park.
Look for the right-side defence to cop plenty of traffic this week.
Such a lethal combo for the Sharks down their edge!
The Verdict
I’m sticking with my guns and going Brisbane in a close encounter!
The Broncos, who lead the Sharks 8-4 since 2010, have a 37-25 (59.7 percent) line record at Suncorp Stadium after a win since 2011.
Unibet Odds:
Brisbane Broncos at $1.81
Cronulla Sharks at $2.00
Odds:
Tip: Brisbane Broncos at $1.77
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Corey Oats at $10.00
More Info:
Teams:
Brisbane Broncos:
Jamayne Isaako, 2 Corey Oates, 3 James Roberts, 4 Darius Boyd (c), 5 Jordan Kahu, 6 Anthony Milford, 7 Kodi Nikorima, 8 Matthew Lodge, 9 Andrew McCullough, 10 Sam Thaiday, 11 Alex Glenn, 12 Tevita Pangai, 13 Josh McGuire
Interchange: 14 Kotoni Stags, 15 Joe Ofahengaue, 16 Korbin Sims, 17 David Fifita
Reserves: 18 Gehamat Shibasaki, 19 Patrick Mago, 20 Sam Tagataese, 21 Troy Dargan.
Cronulla Sharks: 
1 Valentine Holmes, 2 Sione Katoa, 3 Jesse Ramien, 4 Ricky Leutele, 5 Edrick Lee, 6 Matt Moylan, 7 Chad Townsend, 8 Andrew Fifita, 9 Jayden Brailey, 10 Matt Prior, 11 Luke Lewis, 12 Wade Graham (c), 13 Paul Gallen (c)
Interchange: 14 Scott Sorensen, 15 James Segeyaro, 16 Aaron Woods, 17 Jayson Bukuya
Reserves: 18 Joseph Paulo, 19 Ava Seumanufagai, 20 Sosaia Feki, 21 Aaron Gray.
NRL News:
Brisbane captain Darius Boyd would happily play out his NRL career in the centres if that’s what would help the team achieve success.
And Broncos legend Gorden Tallis reckons coach Wayne Bennett has found a winning formula with the backline reshuffle that sparked last week’s big win over Penrith.
Bennett sprung a selection surprise the day before the 50-18 victory, moving Boyd from fullback to left centre and replacing him at the back with young gun Jamayne Isaako.
It worked wonders, with Boyd’s presence steeling up Brisbane’s left-edge defence and Isaako starring in the No.1 jersey.
Bennett said the arrangement wasn’t permanent, but it will be in place for at least one more match – Thursday night’s clash with Cronulla at Suncorp Stadium.
Tallis said he would have done it weeks ago.
“I would have moved (Boyd) in a lot earlier because I think he needs to get closer to the ball,” he told reporters at Fox League’s retro round launch on Tuesday.
“Darius is that good he can play any position.
“Issako has grown week-in, week-out, his kicking’s unbelievable.
“I thought he was really good to fill Darius’s shoes and not look out of place against (James) Maloney and (Nathan) Cleary who have a great kicking game.
“If he keeps on playing the way he does, the position’s his.
“I thought it was Brisbane’s best performance in a long time.”
Boyd reckoned it brought the best out of Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima too, admitting he “talks too much” at fullback and that the playmakers were able to run things their own way without his voice ringing in their ears.
The 31-year-old also believed a full-time switch to the centres could help extend his NRL career.
“Fullback’s my best position but I’m really happy wherever to be honest,” Boyd said.
“The Broncos have given me a lot, I owe them a lot, I’m very grateful to be at this club and finish my career here.
“Whatever it takes to be successful I’m happy with.”
