NRL Finals Week 1 Preview and Prediction - Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos @ Allianz Stadium

Sydney Roosters (2nd) v Brisbane Broncos (3rd) @ Allianz Stadium
 
Preview - The Roosters and Broncos collide in a blockbuster to open the 2017 Finals series at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. The Roosters hit back from their disastrous 2016 where they finished 15th to climb all the way to 2nd in 2017, sealing that spot on the ladder with a scratchy 20-16 victory over the Titans last weekend. The Roosters have won 10 games by 8 points or less this year, and that has been one of the key differences compared to 2016 where they lost all their close encounters. The Broncos were unable to jump the Roosters on the table, despite winning the derby against the Cowboys 20-10 in Townsville. The Broncos reinvented themselves somewhat in Wayne Bennett’s third season, playing a free flowing brand of football as they strayed away from that grinding, defensive side they were considered for the majority of 2015 and 2016. 

History - These sides have traded wins over the past five seasons, with the ledger locked at 5-5 since 2012. Earlier this season, the Broncos thumped the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium 32-8. However, the Roosters returned the favour with a narrow victory at Allianz Stadium in Round 13, holding on for an 18-16 victory.  These sides last met in finals in 2015 in the Preliminary Final at Suncorp Stadium when the Broncos demolished the Roosters on their way to the Grand Final. Historically, the Broncos hold a 27-18 win record over the Roosters. 
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters are looking at a triple boost heading into this blockbuster, with Dylan Napa and Aiden Guerra both back from being rested in Round 26. However, the really big news for Chooks’ fans is highflying winger Daniel Tupou is a big chance to make his return from a groin injury after being named on an extended bench. Zane Tetevano faces a three-week ban for a reckless high tackle on Ben Nakubuwai. The Roosters took a guilty plea but will dispute the offence at the NRL Judiciary.
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos have been forced into another major reshuffle in the spine following the injury to Darius Boyd. Boyd will miss the game due to a hamstring injury, with the versatile Kodi Nikorima going back to fullback. Veteran Benji Marshall is promoted to the starting halves alongside Anthony Milford, after playing the majority of the seasons off the bench. 
 
Verdict  - Roosters by 6-14

 I think the loss of Darius Boyd, though, is a big one for the Broncos, and the fact the Roosters secured the home game gives them the edge. Both these sides have been attacking powerhouses this year, capable of throwing the football around, so I'm expecting an entertaining game which is perhaps higher scoring than lots of evenly matched finals. I just think the Broncos, with half their regular spine missing in Boyd and McCullough, might be able to put up points, however will lack consistency defensively, and that will be the difference in this game.