NRL Round 13 Preview and Prediction - Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos @ Allianz Stadium
 
Preview - We get a Round 13 blockbuster as two teams in the Top 5, the Roosters and Broncos, collide at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. The Roosters have rebounded strongly from their disastrous 2016 season where they finished 15th, to win 8 of their opening 11 matches and sit just outside the Top 4 on for and against to their opponents this week. The Roosters put out a very gutsy performance in going down 24-16 to the Raiders in Canberra, despite missing 5 of their top players to Origin duty. I think Trent Robinson would have seen enough from his side in this game to know they have the depth and quality to go a long way in this competition this year. The Broncos are coming off a convincing defeat at the hands of the Warriors, however they too were missing 6 of their best players for Origin duty. Before that loss, they had rattled off 6 victories in a row and looked close to the form side of the competition.
 
History - The Broncos scored probably their most impressive victory of the season back in Round 6 when they thumped the Roosters 32-8 at Suncorp Stadium. However, the Broncos have not beaten the Roosters at Allianz Stadium since 2012. Overall, the Broncos have a good record against the Roosters having won 3 of the past 4, as well as 27 from 44 overall. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos should be back to near full strength with 4 of their 5 Origin stars named to back up. However, Anthony Milford suffered a concussion during the game and has been ruled out  Benji Marshall will likely retain his place at five-eight after a decent performance in his first start of the season last week against the Warriors. Andrew McCullough will also be back after missing the side’s loss against the Warriors with concussion. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters also have 4 of their 5 Origin players that have been named to play, however Mitchell Pearce, like Anthony Milford, is out with concussion after he failed to finish the Origin One Connor Watson will partner Luke Keary in the halves. The Roosters were brave last week against the Raiders, however lacked the direction inside the opposition that players like Pearce can bring to the side. 
 
Verdict - Roosters 1-6 in a tough and high quality game

Mitchell Pearce is a big loss for the Roosters however that is offset somewhat wit the Broncos missing Anthony Milford. In terms of their backs up I liked a lot more of what the Roosters did last week then how the Broncos played against the Warriors. The roosters appear to have a bit stronger depth and that might be crucial today if there are any late withdrawals. I think this game will go down to the wire as these are 2 of the heavyweights of the competition. Despite plenty of players backing up from Origin One I expect this to be a hit quality affair.  Despite the fact the Broncos beat the Roosters convincingly earlier in the season, I think the Chooks can get some revenge here as a lot of the Broncos’ players were left battered and bruised in that heavy Origin defeat to NSW.