NRlL Round 9 Preview - Broncos v Bulldogs @ Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Broncos v Canterbury Bulldogs @ Suncorp Stadium
 
Preview - The Broncos will be aiming for their fifth win of the season when they take on the struggling Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. The Broncos came from behind last week to score a crucial 24-20 victory against Souths, in a game they played some of their best football of the season in the second half. The Bulldogs let another game slip going down 22-14 at Penrith, despite leading 12-2 early and seemingly in control of the game. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - Stand-in hooker Josh McGuire  is out for an extended period with an ankle injury. Kodi Nikorima will likely start at dummy half, and Andrew McCullough is a small chance of making a very early return. Jordan Kahu remains a week or two away after suffering a broken jaw earlier in the season
 
Canterbury Bulldogs’ Scouting Report - Greg Eastwood makes way, with Clay Priest added to the interchange. Despite struggling, Dean Pay continues to stick solid with his side. Uncapped PNG international Rhyse Martin will travel to Brisbane as part of an extended squad and is rumoured to be debuting after some strong performances in the back row in State Cup. Similar rumours abound that Dean Pay is set to switch Aaron Woods to the bench in order to get more impact in the back end of halves. 
 
Verdict - Broncos by 4-12

Expecting this game to go on similar lines to most the Bulldogs games this season. Physically they will compete and play with plenty of energy, but they won’t have the polish to score enough points to win. The Broncos looked to hit a bit of form in that second half against the Rabbitohs, and have far more strike power than the Bulldogs. Playing at home, I am expecting a willing clash, but the Broncos to win by a couple of tries to make it back-to-back victories.