2nd Semi Final
Brisbane Broncos v Warriors
Saturday, September 19, 5:00pm, 1300SMILES Stadium – LIVE on Fox Sports 1
Brisbane Broncos
1. Jonas Pearson, 2. Nikau Terupe, 3. Jordan Drew, 4. Jack Tuttle, 5. Dan Russell, 6. Will Brimson, 7. Keenan Palasia, 8. Lachlan Lanskey, 9. Jayden Berrell, 10. Keegan Hipgrave, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Alex Barr, 13. Jai Arrow. Interchange: 14. Kalolo Saitaua, 15. Sam Gee, 16. George Fai, 17. Lindsay Collins. Coach: Craig Hodges.
Warriors
1. Brad Abbey 2. Tomas Aoake 3. Marata Niukore 4. Semisi Tyrell 5. Paul Ulberg 6. Mafoa’aeata Hingano 7. Erin Clark 8. Bunty Afoa 9. Casey Lafaele 10. Paul Tuli 11. Ofahiki Ogden 12. Matiu Love-Henry 13. Jazz Tevaga. Interchange: 14. Tyler Mohi 15. Mattais Heimuli 16. Amoni Tufui 17. Tualima Tualima 18. Kauri Aupouri. Coach: Kelvin Wright.
It’s a 2014 Grand Final rematch as these two sides fight to keep their seasons alive.
The Broncos almost pulled off a remarkable comeback victory over the Cowboys last weekend, going down 24-36.
Brisbane were missing their starting halves and due to a late withdrawal were without backup half Logan Spaander,
They trailed 20-6 at half time but bravely fought back to within six points before the Cowboys iced the game in the final three minutes.
It only gets worse for the junior Broncos, with fullback Paul Byrnes out for the season after injuring his knee in the game.
Despite a poor regular season, the Warriors turned it on in typical Warriors fashion in the finals.
They took advantage of the Roosters failure to finish their opportunities and never really looked troubled.
The 50 missed tackles and nine errors will be a big concern for coach Kelvin Wright, as sides like Brisbane and Penrith will make them pay if they make that many errors.
The Warriors go into this game in good form but face a tough ask having to travel to Townsville.
Ins and Outs
The Warriors welcome back two of their best in Bunty Afoa and Mafoa’aeata Hingano this weekend.
Afoa was named the Warriors’ Player of the Year last week while Hingano returns from NSW Cup duties.
Paul Byrnes injury sees Jonus Pearson return and move into fullback.
Jarryd Dodd is also out and is replaced by Jack Tuttle.
Week 1 Standouts
Jai Arrow (Brisbane) – 201 metres, 3 tackle breaks, 48 tackles, 1 offload
Marata Niukore (Warriors) – 3 tries, 114 metres, 1 try assist, 5 tackle breaks, 18 tackles, 2 offloads, 2 linebreaks
2015 Head to Head
Round 4 – Warriors 40-14 Brisbane at Mt Smart Stadium
It was a big win for the Warriors when these two sides met in Round 4. Brad Abbey scored two tries and ran for 189 metres.
Finals Encounters
2008, Week 3 – Brisbane 28-26 Warriors at Sydney Football Stadium
2014, Grand Final – Warriors 34-32 Brisbane at ANZ Stadium
Keep An Eye On
Jayden Su’A (Brisbane)
A stand out for Brisbane earlier in the year, Su’A returned to the side in Round 26,. He picked up right up where left off, running for 166 and 136 metres the last two weeks. A very strong running edge backrower, he and his forward pack will need to be at their best this weekend.
Paul Tuli (Warriors)
With his bleached blonde hair, big Paul Tuli isn’t hard to miss on the field. He terrorised the Roosters, running for 175 metres. With the return of front row partner Bunty Afoa, look for Tuli to have a big game this weekend.
18TH MAN 