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Roosters v Broncos: NRLW Round 2 preview
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Roosters v Broncos: NRLW Round 2 preview

Author
Alicia Newton NRL Reporter
Timestamp
Alicia Newton

Two of the pre-season favourites go head-to-head in round two of the NRL Holden Women's Premiership on Friday night in a clash that could make or break the final standings for both sides.

The Roosters are looking to keep their grand final aspirations alive after a shock loss to the Warriors last week, while Brisbane can all but book their spot in the decider with another dominant win.

Many predicted these two clubs to face off in the inaugural NRLW final on September 30, but the Roosters' round one defeat has left them with it all to play for.

The Tricolours are hopeful inspirational leader Ruan Sims will return from a hamstring injury in a boost for the side, who struggled to find in-roads against a defensively sound Warriors outfit.

Brisbane couldn't have produced a slicker performance in attack in their win over the Dragons with Paul Dyer's side now searching for an element of consistency to their game after a history-making performance.

Key match-up: Ali Brigginshaw v Maddie Studdon: The pair of Jillaroos were teammates at last year's World Cup and now go head-to-head for the second time since the NRL Holden State of Origin fixture. Studdon had the last say in the interstate clash but Brigginshaw's form has been electric in 2018. The kicking games and creativity from both are likely to dictate the result.

For the Roosters to win: They'll need to complete their sets a lot better than last week and match it with the Broncos through the middle. Their biggest strength against the Broncos is their talent out wide. Brisbane's back five missed 17 tackles against the Dragons compared to the Roosters' five last week. With Isabelle Kelly and Shontelle Stowers in the centres, it could be the target area for the Tricolours to find points.

NRLW Roosters v Broncos - Round 2

For the Broncos to win: They have to tighten their defence. The Broncos conceded 62 tackle breaks despite a 26-point victory over the Dragons. The Roosters will have too much strike power if that happens again. Brisbane have the strength across the park with their set plays earning huge raps over the weekend and they'll need to prove again it isn't a one-off performance.

And another thing: The Broncos' average play-the-ball speed (3.64 seconds) was the fastest of the women's sides in the opening round. The Warriors were just behind at 3.66 seconds, while defeated sides the Roosters (4.05 seconds) and Dragons (4.13 seconds) recorded more than half a second slower at the ruck.

Team Lists

Backs

  • Fullback for Roosters is number 1 Karina Brown
    Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Chelsea Baker
  • Winger for Roosters is number 2 Sharon McGrady
    Winger for Broncos is number 2 Julia Robinson
  • Centre for Roosters is number 3 Shontelle Stowers
    Centre for Broncos is number 3 Meg Ward
  • Centre for Roosters is number 4 Isabelle Kelly
    Centre for Broncos is number 4 Amber Pilley
  • Winger for Roosters is number 5 Taleena Simon
    Winger for Broncos is number 5 Karley Te Kawa
  • Five-Eighth for Roosters is number 6 Lavina O'Mealey
    Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Kimiora Breayley-Nati  
  • Halfback for Roosters is number 7 Maddie Studdon
    Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Ali  Brigginshaw

Forwards

  • Prop for Roosters is number 8 Ruan Sims
    Prop for Broncos is number 8 Heather Ballinger
  • Hooker for Roosters is number 9 Kylie Hilder
    Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Brittany   Breayley-Nati
  • Prop for Roosters is number 10 Elianna Walton
    Prop for Broncos is number 15 Chelsea  Lenarduzzi
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 11 Tazmin Gray
    2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Teuila  Fotu-Moala
  • 2nd Row for Roosters is number 12 Vanessa Foliaki
    2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Maitua Feterika
  • Lock for Roosters is number 13 Zahara Temara
    Lock for Broncos is number 13 Rona Peters

Interchange

  • Interchange for Roosters is number 14 Nita Maynard
    Interchange for Broncos is number 10 Stephanie Hancock
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 16 Chloe Caldwell
    Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Lavinia Gould
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 17 Victoria Latu
    Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Mariah Denman
  • Interchange for Roosters is number 21 Simaima Taufa
    Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Ngatokotoru Arakua

Match Officials

  • Referee: Peter Gough
  • Video Referee: Alan Shortall
  • Senior Review Official: Luke Patten

Last updated:

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Roosters: Ruan Sims starts at prop and Sharon McGrady is in on the wing, with Karina Brown moving to fullback. Simaima Taufa has been promoted to the bench at the expense of Sarah Togatuki, while Botille Vette-Welsh was cut an hour before kick-off. Brydie Parker and Quincy Dodd were omitted on Thursday.

Broncos: Meg Ward replaces Amelia Kuk in the centres with Karley Te Kawa starting on the wing. Chelsea lenarduzzi will start at prop, with Stephanie Hancock dropping to the bench. Tallisha Harden and Amelia Kuk were cut an hour prior to kick-off.

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Acknowledgement of Country

National Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.