Match Preview: ANZAC Round vs Broncos

Author: Wests Tigers
Timestamp: Thu 25 Apr 2024, 03:42 PM

Wests Tigers return to Campbelltown to face the Brisbane Broncos on Saturday, 8847 days after these teams first met at the same venue in the club’s very first game in the NRL.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Saturday 27 Apr

Full Time

Wests Tigers

Broncos

Venue: Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney

Highlights Latest

The 25th Anniversary clash falls in ANZAC Round with the home side desperate to end a three-game losing streak, while the visitors are coming off back-to-back wins over the Dolphins and Raiders.

That said, the Broncos head to Campbelltown chasing their first victory on the road after losing in Las Vegas, Penrith and Melbourne.

Lest We Forget: ANZAC Round last year at Campbelltown

It will be an emotion-charged matchday when the rugby league community honours the ANZACS, and following the sudden passing midweek of Wests Tigers Player #4, Terry Hill.

Wests Tigers Player #4 Terry Hill against the Broncos in the club's historic first game

Several of Terry’s former teammates who played in that historic 24-24 draw against the Broncos in Round 1, 2000 will be attending the game.

In team news Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall has handed an NRL debut to former Super Rugby star Solomon Alaimalo, who, at 28 years and 122 days, will become the oldest player to debut for Wests Tigers.

Alaimalo replaces Junior Tupou (foot injury) on the wing, while the other key change sees John Bateman moving from second row to lock, with Samuela Fainu to start as an edge forward.

Fonua Pole will come off the bench and says he's more than happy to play the impact forward role.

Haas returns for first game since Round 2 vs Rabbitohs

Three key players return to action for Brisbane, with prop Payne Haas back from a five-week absence (knee), captain Adam Reynolds returning from a hamstring issue and back-rower Brendan Piakura (ankle) also back on deck.

Round 8 - Round 8 - Saturday 27 Apr

Full Time

Wests Tigers

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Wests Tigers is number 1 Jahream Bula

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 2 Charlie Staines

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey Oates
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 3 Brent Naden

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
Centre for Wests Tigers is number 4 Justin Olam

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Jesse Arthars
Winger for Wests Tigers is number 5 Solomon Alaimalo

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Deine Mariner
Five-Eighth for Wests Tigers is number 6 Lachlan Galvin

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Jock Madden
Halfback for Wests Tigers is number 7 Aidan Sezer

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds

Forwards

Prop for Wests Tigers is number 8 Stefano Utoikamanu

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Corey Jensen
Hooker for Wests Tigers is number 9 Apisai Koroisau

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
Prop for Wests Tigers is number 10 David Klemmer

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 11 Isaiah Papali'i

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Brendan Piakura
2nd Row for Wests Tigers is number 12 Samuela Fainu

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
Lock for Wests Tigers is number 13 John Bateman

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Interchange

Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 14 Latu Fainu

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 15 Alex Twal

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Xavier Willison
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 16 Alex Seyfarth

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange for Wests Tigers is number 17 Fonua Pole

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Fletcher Baker

Reserves

Replacement for Wests Tigers is number 18 Justin Matamua

Replacement for Broncos is number 19 Jaiyden Hunt

Match Officials

Referee: Grant Atkins
Touch Judge: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
Senior Review Official: Peter Gough

Last updated: 4/29/2024 5:36:29 AM

Wests Tigers foundation player Josh Skandalis is tipping another nail-biter with Wests Tigers scraping home by one point.

Fast Facts:

Wests Tigers have won four of their past five games against the Broncos.
The Broncos have won their past seven games at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
Wests Tigers have lost their past nine games at Campbelltown.
Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki has scored four tries in his past three game against the Tigers.
Tigers centre Justin Olam has won eight from eight against the Broncos.

Source: NRL.com.au