The Broncos snapped a four-game losing streak with their victory over the Bulldogs but they'll need to go up another couple of levels to challenge Caig Fitzgibbon's red hot Sharks outfit.
With Nicho Hynes and Matt Moylan on song in the halves and Siosifa Talakai running amok out wide, the Sharks have looked every bit a top-four contender during the opening seven rounds and their tally of 32 tries is the fourth highest in the NRL.
The Sharks have threats across the park and the Broncos will need to stiffen up their defence considerably if they are to pull off an upset.
In Payne Haas, Kotoni Staggs and Adam Reynolds, the Broncos have three proven game-breakers who'll be up for a big one in front of a boisterous home crowd in Brisbane.
Sportsbet Betting preview: Broncos v Sharks
The Rundown
Team news
Broncos: Coach Kevin Walters has finalised his side, with the same 17 that downed the Bulldogs on Friday to run out against the Sharks. Te Maire Martin will again wear the No.1 after his impressive comeback following three years on the sidelines.
Sharks: Captain Wade Graham is confirmed to make his comeback from an ankle injury via the bench but Dale Finucane (calf) will miss out again, with Cam McInnes starting at lock. Braydon Trindall takes the final bench spot over Andrew Fifita. Royce Hunt again swaps into the starting side for Aiden Tolman.
Match: Broncos v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Sharks
Team Lists
Backs
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Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Te Maire MartinFullback for Sharks is number 1 William Kennedy
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Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey OatesWinger for Sharks is number 2 Sione Katoa
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Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Sharks is number 3 Jesse Ramien
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Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie FarnworthCentre for Sharks is number 4 Siosifa Talakai
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Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn CobboWinger for Sharks is number 5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
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Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Tyson GambleFive-Eighth for Sharks is number 6 Matt Moylan
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Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam ReynoldsHalfback for Sharks is number 7 Nicholas Hynes
Forwards
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Prop for Broncos is number 8 Corey JensenProp for Sharks is number 8 Toby Rudolf
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Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy WaltersHooker for Sharks is number 9 Blayke Brailey
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Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne HaasProp for Sharks is number 16 Royce Hunt
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell2nd Row for Sharks is number 11 Briton Nikora
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki2nd Row for Sharks is number 12 Teig Wilton
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Lock for Broncos is number 13 Kobe HetheringtonLock for Sharks is number 15 Cameron McInnes
Interchange
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Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Cory PaixInterchange for Sharks is number 10 Aiden Tolman
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Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Rhys KennedyInterchange for Sharks is number 14 Jack Williams
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Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Thomas FleglerInterchange for Sharks is number 18 Braydon Trindall
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Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Keenan PalasiaInterchange for Sharks is number 19 Wade Graham
Reserves
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Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Brenko LeeReplacement for Sharks is number 17 Andrew Fifita
Match Officials
- Referee: Ashley Klein
- Touch Judge: Darian Furner
- Senior Review Official: Grant Atkins
Last updated:
Key match-up
Adam Reynolds v Nicho Hynes: After missing the opening round of the season due to COVID, Reynolds took a few weeks to find his feet but the former Rabbitoh has hit form during the past three games and the Broncos look a different team. Hynes is also at a new club in 2022 and has been a revelation in the No.7 jersey, steering the ship superbly and playing with the poise and confidence of a man who has spent his whole career at halfback.
Stat attack
Payne Haas leads the NRL for post-contact metres with 532 despite playing one less game than Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake, Dylan Edwards and Isaiah Papali'i who round out the top five. Siosifa Talakai leads the way for the Sharks with 410 post-contact metres, 63 of those coming in his demolition of Manly in round seven.
Match: Broncos v Sharks
Round 8 -
home Team
Broncos
9th Position
away Team
Sharks
4th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
