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BroncoKiwi
Match of the Round - Round 23
August 15th 2008 04:18
Category: News
Broncos v Dragons
By Matthew Johns
7.30pm Friday
This shapes up as the most interesting matchup of the round. Of course the top of the table clash between pace setters Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters cannot be missed, but personally I’m excited to see just how next year’s Dragons coach Wayne Bennett chooses to attack his future club.
It’s been an up and down season for the men in the red V. Showing glimpses of outstanding form, only to be hit by injuries and flat patches.
Jamie Soward and full back Brett Morris have been ruled out late for the match through further injury, causing more headaches for coach Nathan Brown. He is now left with a distinct lack of kicking options to work with. Soward would have been looking for a big match with halves buddy Ben Hornby, but will now be replaced by Ben Rogers.
Curiously Ben Rogers hasn’t played since round four, when he played against Brisbane as a South Sydney Rabbitoh. It’ll be the opportunity Rogers has been waiting for to show why he was recruited mid season for the Dragons. They also welcome back the inspirational Jason Ryles from a quad complaint. The timing couldn’t be better with the Dragons desperate for some quality ball from the forwards. Ryles will add the grunt.
Good news for both teams is the late inclusion of Bronco legend Wendell Sailor on the wing for St George. He is sure to bring some real passion to the game after smashing his cheek bone in his first hit out against Brisbane in round 13.
Big Dell's presence will swell the crowd numbers at Suncorp Stadium with fans lining up to catch a glimpse of the dual international. He too will be looking to prove himself after being left floundering in the lower grades.
New dad David Stagg returns for the Broncos who have their own injury issues, with Tonie Carroll, Greg Eastwood and Karmichael Hunt sidelined with niggling problems. Hodges has one more week to sit on the sidelines after his contrary conduct charge.
Even with all the injuries, this match wll be all about attacking flair, and the winning side will be the one less affected by injury, or at least the one who adapts more effectively. Darren Lockyer plays his 298th game in the Broncos jersey, passing Michael Hancock on 297. And although Lockyer will be part of a pre match celebration to mark the achievement, his focus will be on demonstrating why he is considered the master of the game. His increasingly successful combination with Denan Kemp may be on show with Kemp replacing the injured Hunt in the number one jersey.
It’s important for the Dragons to start the game well, otherwise they may find themselves playing catch up. It’ll be interesting to see if they through caution to the wind early, or look to grind out a win. Either way I can’t wait…
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