Sunday’s NRL 2018 Round 18 match is between Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors. The opening kick is set to commence at 14:00 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 New Zealand Warriors.
When: 14:00 | Sunday 15/07/2018
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Preview:
Brisbane’s win over little brother Titans was a blue-chip effort for many reasons.
Firstly, because they were without their Origin stars but secondly because they were able to get within two points of a much-needed place in the top 4.
A lot was made of the halves for Brisbane and how affective they were but they were able to play that way off the back of the platform their big young forwards provided.
Joe Ofahengaue was outstanding as was Tevita Pangai Jr and co.
A real point of difference with this team is the impact those younger players can have.
The Warriors for mine have lost a bit of wind out of their sails but are still a dangerous footy team.
They’ll be desperate to try and get back into the winner’s circle.
Back to basics would be my advice for them.
Simplicity is a wonderful thing at times.
KEY BATTLE: Anthony Milford v Shaun Johnson
The matchup of the in-form Milford against Johnson will be mouth-watering as both players have the ability to light up the footy field.
The Verdict
Brisbane at home this year have been terrific and I expect another worthy performance.
The Broncos have a 38-9 (80.9 percent) record playing within its home state as a favourite since 2015.
Origin stars back and a spring in their step will ensure this.
Unibet Odds:
Brisbane at $1.68
New Zealand at $2.20
Odds:
Tip: Brisbane Broncos at $1.65
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Jordan Kahu at $17.00
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 Alex Glenn, 12 Jayden S’uA, 13 Josh McGuire
Interchange: 14 Kotoni Staggs, 15 Joe Ofahengaue, 16 Korbin Sims, 17 Tevita Pangai jnr
Reserves: 18 Jonus Pearson, 19 Patrick Mago, 20 David Fifita, 21 Sam Tagataese, 22 Jake Turpin, 23 Tom Opacic.
New Zealand Warriors: 
1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2 David Fusitu’a, 3 Peta Hiku, 4 Solomone Kata, 5 Gerard Beale, 6 Blake Green, 7 Shaun Johnson, 8 James Gavet, 9 Issac Luke, 10 Agnatius Paasi, 11 Isaiah Papali’i, 12 Simon Mannering, 13 Adam Blair
Interchange: 14 Jazz Tevaga, 15 Tevita Satae, 16 Joseph Vuna, 17 Anthony Gelling
Reserves: 18 Ligi Sao, 19 Karl Lawton, 20 Blake Ayshford, 21 Mason Lino.
NRL News:
Brisbane Broncos utility Jordan Kahu has revealed he lost up to seven kilograms while recovering from a broken jaw.
The New Zealand international missed 10 weeks after colliding with North Queensland five-eighth Te Maire Martin in round two of the NRL season.
But since returning to the field, the Broncos have won four out of five games to be in the mix for a top-four spot.
Kahu has endured an injury-plagued career, playing just 87 games since debuting in 2013 and underwent three knee reconstructions in four years.
But his setbacks in getting back from a broken jaw tested his patience like nothing else.
Kahu was unable to eat solid food for six weeks, resorting to putting steak into a blender in an attempt to have protein in his smoothies.
“I lost like six or seven kilos in the first six days, which was pretty weird,” Kahu told reporters on Wednesday.
“But I knew once I was back eating I’d be able to put weight back on fast.”
Kahu said having gone through the challenges of ACL surgery, he was able to cope better with this recovery taking longer than expected.
The 27-year-old’s return was delayed after colliding with a teammate in his first contact session back at training.
“I had six weeks off eating, six weeks training hard to hopefully play at the end of the six weeks and to get that little hiccup along the way was probably the toughest,” Kahu said.
“Knowing I’d miss another three or four weeks was tough but I’ve got a good support base behind me.”
The Broncos host the Warriors, who have slumped to eighth in the ladder following two losses after a hot-start to the season, on Sunday.
Kahu doesn’t believe Brisbane are playing the visitors at a good time, despite the teams’ contrasting form.
“It’s a tough competition so it’s always hard to maintain your performance for a long period of time,” Kahu said.
“They started the season real well and got them in a good fit for the eight and I’m sure they’ll perform well at the end of the season.”
