NRL Round 3 Preview - Tigers v Broncos @ Campbelltown Stadium

 Wests Tigers v Brisbane Broncos @ Campbelltown Stadium
 
Preview - The Wests Tigers will be looking to surge momentarily to the outright lead in the competition as they host the Broncos, at what is sure to be a pumping Campbelltown Stadium on Friday night. The Tigers have stunned the Rugby League world really, with a staggering pair of 10-8 upset wins against the Roosters and Storm to start their season 2018. The Tigers opened the season as favourites for the Wooden Spoon, however are playing a tough and uncompromising style of football under Ivan Cleary. The Broncos bounced back in style last week with a typical Wayne Bennett ambush win after a poor performance the previous week. In another thriller in the Queensland derby, they clung on for a 24-20 victory against the Cowboys, to bury their demons after a terrible first up performance against St George Illawarra. 
 
History - Last season the Tigers were belted by the Broncos 36-0 at Suncorp Stadium in the only meeting between the two sides. In 2016 the Tigers stunned the Broncos winning 19-18, with both sides missing their Origin players. Before that victory last season, the Tigers had a terrible record against the Broncos, losing their past 6, and managing just 4 victories from 13 attempts at Suncorp Stadium. Overall, the Broncos hold a commanding advantage, having won 19 games against the Tigers, with only 5 defeats and 1 draw. 
 
Wests Tigers’ Scouting Report - The Tigers have suffered a big blow in their quest to start the season 3-0, with Elijah Taylor bring ruled out through injury.  Matt Eisenhuth will start at lock, with the versatile Michael Chee Kam coming on to the bench. Fullback Tuimoala Lolohea remains sidelined through injury, with Corey Thompson having another outstanding game at fullback last week. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos have named big money off-season recruit Jack Bird on an extended interchange bench, as he pushes to make his debut for the Club. Anthony Milford responded to his critics last week with a polished performance, and will be looking to break down a Tigers’ defence that has been watertight so far this season. 
 
Verdict - Broncos by 1-8 in a low scoring game 
 
I think this game is going to be an absolute cracker, with both sides bashing each other. I think defences will get well on top in this game, with both sides failing to give an inch. I just think the Tigers, after two massive upsets, could be just that little bit flat coming off a 6-day turnaround here after travelling to Melbourne. That emotional high you can only ride for so long, and if you look at the sides on paper, then the Broncos still hold the advantage class-wise. One thing I am pretty confident of in this Tigers’ side is they are going to compete for 80 minutes, and teams are going to have to put their bodies on the line and match them for enthusiasm and desperation if they want to account for them this season.