The high-flying Brisbane Broncos will host an improved Roosters side who need to win to stay in a hunt for the finals when the sides meet at the Gabba on Thursday night.
The Broncos continued their winning ways last weekend in a strong showing against the Rabbitohs, but were hit hard by the judiciary with both winger Jesse Arthars and forward Martin Taupau to miss this week's match with suspension.
The Roosters found form in their dominant win against the Titans, with their attack firing in the first half to post a 30-0 halftime lead before running out 36-18 winners.
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Team news
Broncos: With Brendan Piakura withdrawing from the squad on Wednesday after failing to overcome a virus, Queensland Origin lock Pat Carrigan shifts to the right edge and Keenan Palasia comes in to start at lock. Xavier Willison is the new addition to the bench. Deine Mariner comes onto the wing for the suspended Jesse Arthars while Martin Taupau (suspension) is also out. There were no further late changes.
Roosters: Victor Radley returns after missing Round 21 with hamstring tightness and will start at lock. The squad will take the field as named mid-week, with Brandon Smith starting at hooker and Jake Turpin moving back to the bench.
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Stat Attack
- Roosters winger Daniel Tupou needs one try to break the all-time record for most tries for the foundation club. He currently shares the mark with former captain Anthony Minichiello with 139 tries.
- Only eight Broncos players have achieved an NRL victory against the Roosters.
- The Roosters have won five of their past six games against the Broncos.
- Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds has scored 32 points in his past two games.
- Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo has scored six tries in his past five games.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the