The rest of the NRL regular season begins on Thursday night in Sydney with the Roosters hosting the Broncos. Following a blockbuster weekend or rugby league action in Las Vegas, the show continues at home with an intriguing clash. Both teams will want to improve upon their 2024 campaigns; desperation to grab a victory makes this game an exciting spectacle. Before You Bet is here to take a detailed look at the match ahead, with the aim of finding you a winner or two to add to your viewing enjoyment.
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Sydney Roosters vs Brisbane Broncos
Location: Allianz Stadium – Sydney
Date: Thursday, 6th March
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Odds: Roosters ($3.25) vs Broncos ($1.35)
Line: Broncos -7.5
Points: 43.5
Odds and lines provided with thanks to Ladbrokes. Note that odds and lines can fluctuate throughout the week, and are correct at the time of writing.
Match Preview
The Roosters venture into a new era after losing some experienced players at the end of last year. Many have suggested that this is a rebuilding phase for a team that is close to finding success; if they are to perform well in 2025, they will require their stars fit and on the field. They are already without Walker, Smith and Leniu for this fixture, leaving Tedesco to carry the burden in the spine. Townsend is an interesting inclusion at halfback also.
The Broncos roll into town also in the process of rebuilding following a disastrous 2024 season. They have lost on a few players though and are primed to bounce back with Michael Maguire at the helm. He will take (or make) no excuses for poor performances on the field. This level of accountability has been missing from previous seasons for the Broncos, and it makes for intriguing viewing in 2025.
The Broncos head into this game as favourites and it is unsurprising given the strength of each team named. The Roosters are missing power up front in their pack, which will further test their depth. This is a strength for the Broncos, with Carrigan shifted to prop to allow Hetherington to start at lock; such is their depth, they have Piakura coming from the bench.
It isn’t all good news for the visitors though as they are missing Staggs in the centres. Walsh, Hunt and Reynolds offer a strong mix of flair and experience, something which is lost for the Rooster with Townsend and Sandon Smith partnering in the halves. The Broncos must make up for a poor recent record against their opponents on the road; they have won just 1 of the past 5 matches, with their last victory coming back in Round 11, 2021. Their overall record is just slightly behind that of the home side (64% vs 62%). 3 of the past 4 matches have also been by comfortable margins, with the average margin sitting at 15.2 points.
It is hard to go past the visitors and, as it is early in the season, the suggestion is to use the statistics to your advantage but keep your stake low. The attacking power of the visitors should be too much for the Roosters to handle, across the park, for 80 minutes.
Broncos -7.5
$1.90 (1.5 Units)
