The Broncos were impressive last week with the help of Pangai Junior but the Dragons will have a new forward to help secure their first win of the season.
BRISBANE BRONCOS VS ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS – THURSDAY 28 MARCH, 7:50PM, SUNCORP STADIUM
How To Watch: Stream Every Game Of The 2019 AFL Toyota Premiership Live & On Demand With Kayo
After being criticized heavily for starting slow, Brisbane opened with five unanswered tries, two of which came within the opening 25-minutes. Corey Oates was the standout with a pair of his own, while Thomas Flegler chipped in with some brilliant runs on attack.
Tevita Pangai Junior was man of the match with 11 runs for 109 metres and a try.
That performance has had the Dragons looking for an answer and it may come in the form of the Sims brothers. Korbin Sims has not played for his new club due to a suspension from last season but he has a great opportunity to show his previous club his ability and put a stop to their Tongan star.
Despite their loss last week, the Dragons did a lot right. St. George won the possession and tackle count, they just couldn’t tidy up basic errors that eventually cost them on the scoreboard.
Team news:
Broncos: Not surprisingly, coach Anthony Seibold has retained the same team that handled the Cowboys 29-10 last week, with all 17 players getting through the game unscathed. Payne Haas and Matt Lodge are unavailable through suspension.
Dragons: Coach Paul McGregor isn’t panicking after an 0-2 start, making just one change to the 17-man team beaten 34-18 by Souths last week. Korbin Sims returns from injury and has taken Josh Kerr’s place on the interchange bench. No sign of a return for Origin backrower Tyson Frizell, who remains out indefinitely with a lacerated testicle.
Supercoach Tips:
- Corey Oates ($504,000) – Is a must have after his performance last week and his stats at Suncorp are very impressive.
- Gareth Widdop ($553,400) – Is not living up to his price tag after the move to fullback and we’d suggest removing him.
- Jordan Pereira ($351,300) – Has shown he’s good value this season with an average of 73.5 points per game.
Betting Insights:
- Corey Oates has been the first try-scorer in four of Brisbane’s last five matches at Suncorp Stadium.
- Corey Oates has scored at least one try in each of Brisbane’s last five Thursday night matches at Suncorp Stadium.
- Brisbane has scored the first try in each of its last eight home matches against St. George Illawarra.
- Jordan Pereira has scored at least one try in each of St. George Illawarra’s last four matches following a loss.
- St. George Illawarra has lost five of its last seven interstate night matches by a margin of 1 to 12 points.
- Five of the last six night matches between Brisbane and St. George Illawarra have gone UNDER the total match points line.
TIP:
The Broncos are too good at home and the Dragons look like they’re still adjusting to the new spine. Broncos 1-12
