The first of Friday night’s NRL Round 25 matches is between Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights. The opening kick is set to commence at 7:35pm local time with the game to be played at Suncorp Stadium. The home team the Brisbane Broncos are the current favourites in the market. View our preview and teams for the game between Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights.
Suncorp Stadium
Friday 7.35pm
Brisbane Broncos $1.03 vs Newcastle Knights $10.00 at Sportsbet Australia get a $250 FREE BET on this match
Brisbane Broncos $1.02 vs Newcastle Knights $16.00 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Odds Comparison by NRL Odds:
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| Brisbane Broncos | 1.70 | 1.75 | 1.67 | 1.75 | 1.70 | 1.70 |
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Newcastle Knights
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2.15 | 2.08 | 2.25 | 2.08 | 2.15 | 2.17 |
Preview:
These two sides met recently, back in round 21 at Hunter Stadium and played at an 18 all draw.
The scenario for them both this week, as it was back then, is that if they hold any hopes of making the finals, this is a must week game.
Brisbane sit in thirteenth spot on 23 competition points and only one win behind Newcastle who in seventh spot on the ladder with 25 points. Between them however are five teams in what has become an enthralling contest for the remaining two finals’ spots.
Brisbane suffered their first lost in the past five week when defeated by Penrith 28 – 12. Some poor defensive lapses close to their own line allowed Penrith’s James Segeyaro to score three soft tries.
It may act as an indication that the effort to stay alive in the competition over the past month, is starting to take its toll on Brisbane – as it is their opponents.
Newcastle were strong, at home, against Melbourne in round 23 before travelling to Townsville last week and taking on a rejuvenated Cowboys outfit.
Two quick tries by the home-side had the Knights on the back-foot from the get-go. The task made harder again when forward Kade Snowden was sent from the field for a high shot. (Since suspended for seven weeks).
With six teams breathing down their necks, Newcastle can not afford to lose.
Brisbane haven’t lost to Newcastle since round 24, 2010 and to ensure they keep that record in tact, they’ll need to measure up defensively.
If they do, the home ground advantage up against Newcastle’s second interstate trip in as many weeks, may see Brisbane home in a close one.
Teams:
Brisbane Broncos:
Josh Hoffman, Corey Oates, Jack Reed, Alex Glenn, Jordan Kahu, Scott Prince, Ben Hunt, Ben Hannant, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Sam Thaiday, Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Peter Wallace, David Stagg, Dunamis Lui, Lama Tasi, Scott Anderson
Newcastle Knights:
Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen, Tyrone Roberts, Willie Mason, Danny Buderus, Zane Tetevano, Robbie Rochow, Beau Scott, Alex McKinnon. Interchange: Kurt Gidley, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, David Fa’alogo
Barba feels for cousin Hoffman
The “family comes first” attitude that led Ben Barba to the Broncos may also ensure miffed cousin Josh Hoffman remains as Brisbane fullback next year.
After Broncos coach Anthony Griffin hinted Barba could feature at pivot next year to appease Hoffman, the Dally M Medallist said it would be “very sad” if he replaced his cousin at fullback.
Griffin personally informed Hoffman that Barba had signed a three-year deal from 2014 before the NRL club trumpeted the news on Wednesday.
Hoffman reportedly left the meeting fuming and contemplated a release from his contract which expires at the end of 2015.
However, Barba – who left the Bulldogs to follow his ex-partner and two daughters to Queensland – felt for Hoffman who he grew up with in their native Mackay.
“They’ve taken me so I am open to playing anywhere,” he said of his Broncos prospects.
“I am really close to Josh and we grew up playing alongside each other.
“It would be very sad if I was to push him out which is not what I want to do.
“I am very happy to slot in anywhere.”
Griffin sounded like he was keeping an open mind about Barba with halves Scott Prince (retirement) and Peter Wallace (Penrith) on the way out at season’s end.
Asked if Barba was going to play at fullback next year, the Broncos coach said: “He’s got the ability to play in a lot of positions.
“He’s has the ability to play five-eighth or in the halves.”
Griffin admitted it was “tough” telling Hoffman about Barba but championed the Kiwi international’s ability to bounce back.
After being relegated to the wing at the start of the year, Hoffman wrestled back his preferred No.1 jersey from Parramatta-bound Corey Norman to become one of the NRL’s form fullbacks.
“I am sure it is a challenge for him and wasn’t the first choice he wanted to hear,” Griffin said of Hoffman about the Barba move.
“He was the best left winger in the game for about 14 weeks this year and is doing a great job at fullback.
“(But) it’s about the club and the team and what is best going forward.”
Barba will link with the Broncos after the club took over the terms of his existing deal with the Bulldogs and paid them compensation, believed to be around $300,000, to secure the 2012 Dally M Medallist.
The 24-year-old – released on compassionate grounds – said he would have moved anywhere in the country to be near his children.
“My ex-partner has a lot of family and friends there (in Brisbane) and luckily she moved there, it wasn’t really my choice,” Barba said.
“If she had moved to Perth I probably would be sitting out now and not playing rugby league – I would have had to go and try out with the (AFL’s) West Coast.”