Brisbane Broncos vs. South Sydneys Rabbitohs - Lineup and Preview

1. Josh Hoffman
2. Antonio Winterstein
3. Alex Glenn
4. Matt Gillett
5. Jharal Yow Yeh
6. Corey Norman
7. Peter Wallace
8. Shane Tronc
9. Andrew McCullough
10. Lagi Setu
11. Ben Te'o
12. Ashton Sims
13. Corey Parker

Interchange
14. Ben Hunt
15. Mitchell Dodds
16. Scott Anderson
17. Nick Kenny

This week the Brisbane Broncos head into the familiar territory of facing a tough game during the Origin period. Thankfully and deservedly, the only players on Origin duty are Israel Folau, Darren Lockyer and Sammy Thaiday. Three of our best players this year missing will hurt but we should be able to cope on the back of our past few performances.

Given the situation, we see Matt Gillett move from the back row into centre, Corey Norman re-enters the squad to play 5/8th and Scott Anderson returns from injury at just the right time. Gillett at centre is interesting - hopefully he's given a roaming role in attack as playing centre may restrict his effectiveness across the park. Norman is a perfect fit for Lockyer - he always struck me as a natural 5/8th and with Wallace next to him, he should be free to rip it up like he did during the opening rounds of the year.

In the forwards department I'm glad to report that Anderson returns and Nick Kenny is finally back from injury. Not sure if Kenny was being brought back too early but it's good to see that he's likely to start from the bench. I'm also exited for Anderson's return - I really rate the quiet achiever and as he develops as a footballer I can see him being similar to Nick Kenny. Solid workhorse and always puts in the hard yards.

Looking at our opponents, they also are affected by representative duties. Dave Taylor has been picked for QLD and Sam Burgess is currently back in the UK playing against France. Mick Crocker hasn't been named but word has it that he's a chance of getting back on the paddock this weekend. Crocker is past it that's for sure but the firebrand still has that passion and that's enough danger for me.

I'm not entirely sold on Souths. They are coming 3rd on the table but I'm not convinced that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. To beat this mob, we'll need to employ similar tactics to what they did to the Cowboys last week. Get up in Sutton's face and make him feel some hurt. It's much harder for a playmaker to work his magic when he's got a backrower up in his grill. I'm looking for Sims and Setu to put some massive hits on Sutton and Sandow to disrupt their chi.

As far as the Broncos go, we need to watch Beau Champion like a hawk. That lad has been carving it up like there is no tomorrow. He's big, fast and powerful. Winterstein and Glenn should be on high alert for Champion and Talanoa - don't be surprised if Parker or Sims gets placed out there to assist because those two are a definite handful.

Prediction? Broncos 30-24. Nice and high scoring football for a Sunday afternoon - I give the Broncos the edge due to having the majority of our forward pack intact and the fact that I still think Souths are a bit soft.

Until next time readers,

Waldo.