The Broncos kept their finals hopes afloat with last week's shock road win over the Sharks, while the Warriors did likewise with their less than convincing victory over a depleted Knights.
That left them both on six wins for the season and just one win behind eighth-placed Cronulla.
That said, it's a crucial game for both sides if they want to stay firmly in the finals race.
Anthony Seibold will welcome back his Origin stars, while the Warriors will be aiming to avenge an 8-2 home loss to the Broncos in round 11.
Match: Broncos v Warriors
Round 17 -
home Team
Broncos
13th Position
away Team
Warriors
12th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Rundown
Team news
Broncos: Corey Oates is being rested after Origin and been replaced on the wing by Jamayne Isaako, who is back after missing the last two games for personal reasons. After a courageous win over the Sharks without their Origin reps the Broncos are bolstered by the return of Maroons stars David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue while Anthony Milford (knee) is also back. Milford will again play fullback with Darius Boyd at five-eighth and Jake Turpin moving to halfback to replace Sean O'Sullivan (hamstring). Two of the Baby Broncos retain their spots - high-flying winger Xavier Coates and Herbie Farnworth, who moves from wing to centre to replace the injured Gehamat Shibasaki (finger). Keenan Palasia, Cory Paix and Izaia Perese were omitted from the extended squad on Friday, while Rhys Kennedy dropped out of the squad an hour prior to kick-off.
Warriors: The Warriors are 1-17. Issac Luke comes into the starting line-up at hooker for Karl Lawton (shoulder), while Chanel Harris-Tevita is the new face on the bench. Stephen Kearney has made no other changes to the team that beat the Knights 24-20 in Newcastle. Hayze Perham and Leivaha Pulu were omitted 24 hours before kick-off. Blake Ayshford and Liligiifo Sao were the last players cut from the reserves.
Match: Broncos v Warriors
Round 17 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Warriors
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Anthony MilfordFullback for Warriors is number 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Xavier CoatesWinger for Warriors is number 2 David Fusitu'a
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Warriors is number 3 Peta Hiku
-
Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Warriors is number 4 Gerard Beale
-
Winger for Broncos is number 21 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Warriors is number 5 Ken Maumalo
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Darius BoydFive-Eighth for Warriors is number 6 Kodi Nikorima
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Jake TurpinHalfback for Warriors is number 7 Blake Green
Forwards
-
Prop for Broncos is number 8 Matthew LodgeProp for Warriors is number 8 Agnatius Paasi
-
Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Andrew McCulloughHooker for Warriors is number 9 Issac Luke
-
Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne HaasProp for Warriors is number 10 Leeson Ah Mau
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Alex Glenn2nd Row for Warriors is number 11 Adam Blair
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Tevita Pangai Junior2nd Row for Warriors is number 12 Isaiah Papali'i
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Thomas FleglerLock for Warriors is number 13 Jazz Tevaga
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 James SegeyaroInterchange for Warriors is number 14 Lachlan Burr
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Joe OfahengaueInterchange for Warriors is number 15 Sam Lisone
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 16 David FifitaInterchange for Warriors is number 16 Bunty Afoa
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Patrick CarriganInterchange for Warriors is number 17 Chanel Harris-Tavita
Match Officials
- Referee: Chris Sutton
- Referee: Matt Noyen
- Senior Review Official: Steve Chiddy
Last updated:
Key match-up
The captains both have a huge role to play. Facing scrutiny in recent weeks over his performances Darius Boyd answered his critics against the Sharks and will look to repeat the dose here while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will also be out to run rings around some of the inexperienced Broncos out wide.
For the Broncos to win
There have been times during the season when the Broncos' commitment could've been questioned but it certainly wasn't the case in last week's upset of the Sharks. They need the same effort every week for the rest of the season if they are going to finish in the top eight.
For the Warriors to win
Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck needs to rediscover last year's Dally M form and start demanding more from teammates in his role as designated leader. The same goes for some of the Warriors' other senior players like Blake Green, Adam Blair and Tohu Harris.
Brett Kimmorley says
Maybe that victory last week will spur the Broncos on. Their forwards were really good against the Sharks. Pangai jnr, Haas, Lodge and Flegler were all so good. They are back home and they need to play tough again. For the Warriors, Kodi Nikorima is heading back to a venue at which he will know every blade of grass. If they are to win, he needs to star. Broncos by 4
Stat Attack
The Warriors boast the NRL's top two men for runs in Ken Maumalo (290) and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (279), while Maumalo also leads all players in run metres (2,829) and post-contact metres (929).
And another thing ...
Are we seeing the last of Issac Luke? The Warriors hooker has been unable to cement a regular starting spot in 2019 and is off contract at the end of the season. He has already indicated he doesn't want to leave Auckland because his son and daughter want to stay put, so unless Luke receives an offer to good to refuse (and at 31 his options may be limited) he will probably decide to hang up his boots.
