NRL Round 6 Preview - Warriors v Broncos @ Mount Smart Stadium

New Zealand Warriors v Brisbane Broncos @ Mount Smart Stadium
 
Preview - The unbeaten New Zealand Warriors will be aiming to keep the roll going when they host the struggling Broncos at Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Warriors have come out guns ablazing in 2018, continuing their brilliant form by disposing of the Cowboys 22-12 in the Auckland double header last week, to remain 2nd on the ladder on percentage behind the Dragons. The Broncos continue to stumble, losing 15-10 to the Knights in another ordinary attacking display as they slipped to 2-3 on the ladder. 
 
New Zealand Warriors’ Scouting Report - Not surprisingly, the Warriors are unchanged after 5 straight victories. Shaun Johnson was dynamic and physical on his return from injury, and could easily go on to be a Top 5 player in the competition as the year goes on.  
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - Wayne Bennett welcomes back experienced back rower Alex Glenn (shoulder) which pushes Jaydn Su’a to the bench, and Tom Opacic to the reserves. The Broncos need more out of their senior players, with the likes of Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford and Sam Thaiday experiencing slow starts to the season. 
 
Verdict - Warriors 13+

I have to go with the hot hand here as I just believe the Warriors are playing with more confidence and cohesion than the Broncos. The Warriors are a far different team in 2018 and, spurred on by another huge home crowd, I think they can dominate the Broncos through the middle here. Despite winning two games this year the Broncos look a shadow of the side they could be in 2018, with their attack really suffering, and I just don’t see them offering up enough points against this Warriors’ side to pose a threat in this game. I think the Warriors will win this game comfortably and stamp themselves as a top 4 side in 2018.