NRL Match Preview: Raiders v Broncos

Author: Jack Lenord
Timestamp: Wed 5 Apr 2023, 04:18 PM

The Toyota Forklift Raiders will take on the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night as they look to secure their second win of the season.

After going down to competition heavy weights the Penrith Panthers last week, the Green Machine will look to make a statement against the top of the table Brisbane side.

The Raiders will look to build on their solid first half performance from last week and stay locked in for the entire 80 minutes of footy.

Unfortunately the Canberra side has been riddled with injuries so far this season, with the trend continuing in round five as Matt Frawley suffered a broken hand in the clash against Penrith, ruling him out of this Saturday’s game.

Brad Schneider steps into five-eighth in his first game of the 2023 NRL season to replace the injured Raiders half.

Fan favourite Jarrod Croker returns to the NRL on Saturday playing in the centres after consecutive strong performances in NSW Cup.

Corey Horsburgh has been named in the starting 13 for the first time this season where he will play at lock.

Round 6 - Round 6 - Saturday 8 Apr

Full Time

Broncos

Raiders

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh

Fullback for Raiders is number 1 Sebastian Kris
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Jesse Arthars

Winger for Raiders is number 2 Albert Hopoate
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs

Centre for Raiders is number 3 Jarrod Croker
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth

Centre for Raiders is number 4 Matthew Timoko
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo

Winger for Raiders is number 5 Jordan Rapana
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam

Five-Eighth for Raiders is number 6 Brad Schneider
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds

Halfback for Raiders is number 7 Jamal Fogarty

Forwards

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler

Prop for Raiders is number 8 Josh Papali'i
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters

Hooker for Raiders is number 9 Zac Woolford
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas

Prop for Raiders is number 16 Pasami Saulo
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell

2nd Row for Raiders is number 11 Hudson Young
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki

2nd Row for Raiders is number 12 Elliott Whitehead
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Lock for Raiders is number 13 Corey Horsburgh

Interchange

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Cory Paix

Interchange for Raiders is number 14 Tom Starling
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Keenan Palasia

Interchange for Raiders is number 15 Emre Guler
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Corey Jensen

Interchange for Raiders is number 17 Corey Harawira-Naera
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Martin Taupau

Interchange for Raiders is number 20 Peter Hola

Reserves

Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Jordan Pereira

Replacement for Raiders is number 18 James Schiller

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler

Last updated: 9/7/2024 12:26:08 PM

Last time they met

The two sides last met at Suncorp Stadium in round 14 last season, where the Raiders went down to the Broncos 24-18. However, the Raiders have won their last three out of four clashes against the Broncos.

Key Matchups

Hudson Young v Jordan Riki

Two of the competitions best back rowers will be facing off on Saturday as Hudson Young takes on the in-form Bronco Jordan Riki.

Young has shown his versatility this season, helping his side get out of tough positions through his strong defensive efforts whilst still playing a key role in Canberra’s attack.

Young continues to perform in all aspects of the game this season, averaging 86 metres, making 142 tackles, and scoring two tries. Young is a true reflection of a modern day back rower and will be on high alert for the Broncos as he looks to threaten their try line and be an enforcer with his hard hitting tackles.

Riki is also in fine form heading into the round six clash after scoring a double last week and maintaining a 90.1% tackle efficiency, he is a valuable player in both attack and defence. Riki is having a breakout season and will be aiming to continue this form into the match against the Raiders.

Both sides will look to use these weapons as the two explosive backrowers battle it out in Brisbane to prove who is the best.

Joe Tapine v Payne Haas

Both Tapine and Haas were awarded the 2022 Dally M prop of the year last season, with the two best front rowers in the competition facing off this Saturday.

Tapine has established himself as one of the best front rowers in the NRL, being the more experienced front rower out of the pair after playing 170 NRL games whilst also representing New Zealand. The hard running forward knows what it takes to win these physical battles.

Tapine has held the Raiders forward pack together through his hard hitting tackles whilst also being valuable in attack as he marches through the opposition defence. Tapine has made 178 tackles and 314 post contact metres this season and will look to dominate the young Brisbane side with his physicality and experience.

Haas is known for his ability to be threatening in both attack and defence for the Broncos. The Brisbane forward has continued his form from last season, making 24 tackle breaks and 13 offloads while maintaining an impressive 98.5% tackle efficiency.

This matchup will be one to look forward to as the two best front rowers in the league go head-to-head in a battle that promises to be jam packed with hard hitting runs and bone rattling tackles.

Matt Timoko v Herbie Farnworth

Both Timoko and Farnworth have the ability to break the game open on Saturday if they’re given the chance. These two young guns will battle it out in the centres on Saturday in a matchup that will be full of action as the pair are known for their elusive skills, speed, and strength.

After having a breakout season in 2022, Timoko has continued to perform well this season in the centres after proving his worth through his attacking flair and strong defence. Timoko has shown he is hard to stop this season, making 18 tackle breaks, scoring one try and having one try assist. The Broncos will have to keep their eye on the skilful Raiders centre.

Farnworth is currently in his career best form and will look to carry this into Saturday’s game against the Raiders. The athletic Brisbane centre has made a statement this season through his notable attacking and defensive efforts. Farnworth has scored three tries in his last five appearances, and kept 95% tackle efficiency this season.

It is guaranteed that the pair will be entertaining to watch as they put on a show this Saturday when they battle it out and do everything possible to cross the line.