Thursday’s NRL 2018 Round 23 match is between Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs. The opening kick is set to commence at 19:50 local time with the game to be played at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane. The away team South Sydney Rabbitohs are the favourites for the match.
View our preview and teams for the game between Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
When: 19:50 | Thursday 16/08/2018
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Preview:
After two losses in two weeks and up against one of the top sides and frontrunners to win the comp, the Broncos find themselves in a real spot of bother.
They play the number 1 side this week and the next best side in the Roosters next week.
There are two ways to look at this.
If you’re going to succeed in this comp you must beat the best.
This starts now and the way they need to bind together will be the key for them if they are to succeed.
External noise and distractions need to be put aside and I’m referring to the talk around the coach and his situation.
They need to play a tough and resilient style that they’re capable of but they also need to use their skill.
KEY BATTLE: Broncos forwards v Rabbitohs forwards
My matchup without a doubt is between the two forward packs.
If you are to compete with Souths, you need to stop the onslaught up front and take away Damien Cook’s running game.
This is easier said than done but also achievable.
The Verdict
Broncos are my team and it will no doubt be a tough one, but I believe in the boys.
Brisbane lead Souths 10-5 since 2010.
Unibet Odds:
Brisbane Broncos at $2.48
South Sydney Rabbitohs at $1.56
Odds:
Tip: South Sydney Rabbitohs at $1.66
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Richie Kennar at $11.00
More Info:
Teams:
Brisbane Broncos:
1. Darius Boyd 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. Tevita Pangai Junior 13. Josh Mcguire 14. Kotoni Staggs 15. Joe Ofahengaue 16. Korbin Sims 17. David Fifita 18. Patrick Mago 19. Troy Dargan 20. Gehamat Shibasaki 21. Sam Tagataese.
South Sydney Rabbitohs: 
1. Dane Gagai 2. Hymel Hunt 3. Braidon Burns 4. Tyrell Fuimaono 5. Richard Kennar 6. Cody Walker 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Thomas Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. George Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Angus Crichton 13. Sam Burgess 14. Mawene Hiroti 15. Cameron Murray 16. Jason Clark 17. Junior Tatola 18. Matt McIlwrick 19. Kyle Turner 20. Dean Britt 21. Connor Tracey.
NRL News:
South Sydney have opted to keep skipper Greg Inglis on ice for one more week as he continues to recover from a broken thumb.
Dane Gagai will start at fullback to take on Brisbane on Thursday after Alex Johnston suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s loss to the Sydney Roosters.
In other team news, Jordan Kahu returns for the Broncos; Penrith utility Tyrone May will start at five-eighth against Newcastle and Kurt Mann is also to don the No.6 jumper for St George Illawarra’s clash with Wests Tigers.