ethos
BroncoKiwi
Finals Week 2 - Broncos v Storm Preview
September 20th 2008 03:03
Category: Weekly Tips
Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
Saturday 7:30pm, Suncorp Stadium
Total Games 23 – Storm 13 wins, Broncos 9 wins, 1 draw
Most Recent Meeting – Round 4 2008, Storm 28 def. Broncos 8
The Broncos have gone through all sorts of off field dramas over the past week and it remains to be seen whether the allegations will effect their performance on Saturday night. The players have said they’re focused 100% on the task at hand but some doubts have to exist at the back of their minds. Team members must be questioning the commitment of those select few who decided to ‘hit the drink’ before the most important clash of the year. But anyway onto the footy..
I thought Melbourne were very one dimensional against the Warriors but I have the feeling they’ll look to play an expansive game against the Broncos. Brisbane’s defence must be tuned in for the entirety of the match, with the likes of Folau, Inglis and Slater any lapse will lead to points. Surprisingly, Brisbane has a woeful finals record at Suncorp, losing their past five matches at the venue. I can see this trend continuing. The Storm rarely lose two in a row, while the Broncos have had the worst possible build-up. But either way it’ll be an absolute cracker in front of a sold out Lang Park.
Players to Watch:
Nick Kenny (Broncos)
While he’s not exactly a household name, Kenny was the most impressive forward for the Broncos last week. Coming off the interchange bench he racked up 14 hitups for 135m, as well as 16 tackles - the highest number of runs and most metres gained by any Brisbane forward. The Broncos need another tireless effort from Kenny to ensure they match the Storm pack.
Israel Folau (Storm)
Much has been said about Folau’s apparent weakness in defence after opposing Warriors centre Jerome Ropati was able to touch down for two tries last Sunday afternoon. However, we shouldn’t crucify the lad. Any slight defensive fault is overshadowed by complete awesomeness in attack. Halfback Cooper Cronk will, as per usual, aim his pinpoint bombs for a soaring Folau. Rookie Brisbane back Joel Moon has his hands full, that’s for sure.
Prediction: Storm by 6
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Comment by Anonymous
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
Absolutely devastating from a Broncos perspective though. I still can't believe they lost..