Sydney Football Stadium, Friday 7.45pm (AEST)
Last meeting: Round 26 2011 - Broncos 18 bt Sea Eagles 10 at Suncorp Stadium
Referees: Shayne Hayne, Jared Maxwell
TV: Live, Channel 9
TAB Sportsbet: Sea Eagles $1.40 Broncos $3.00
Greg Prichard writes: The withdrawal of Darren Lockyer is obviously a huge blow to the Broncos. Statistics going back many years paint a sorry picture for the club in terms of their record without the superstar five-eighth. But they have got to get on with the job now, and power forward Sam Thaiday's return from suspension is crucial to their chances. Big Sammy needs to deliver a huge performance to help inspire the younger, less-experienced players in the side to believe the Broncos can get the job done without their veteran leader.
The Sea Eagles will be making just their second appearance of the finals series. They were awarded week two off after being one of the two highest-ranked winners in week one. The Cowboys led them 8-0 at halftime, but the Sea Eagles registered a whopping 42 unanswered points in the second half. The Broncos thrashed the Warriors and then prevailed in extra time over the Dragons. The Sea Eagles are deservedly hot favourites with Lockyer out. They have got arguably the best backline in the competition, and a forward pack that will work extra hard to gain an advantage.
Peter Wallace's kicking game is crucial for the Broncos. Photo: Getty Images
AAP writes: All the pre-match hype has followed one player - injured Broncos skipper Darren Lockyer - who will not even take the field, but this is a showdown of two very powerful outfits. Lockyer's injury has taken the media glare off his young team, and also overshadowed the return of intimidating back-rower Sam Thaiday to an impressive Brisbane pack. Brisbane enter this clash in impressive form having won eight on the trot and, while much of that success is down to Lockyer, they've also built it around a brilliant young backline who are being given plenty of space by bruising forwards Josh McGuire, Ben Hannant and Thaiday. Manly will be fresh having enjoyed the week off, but will again be without their inspirational lock forward Glenn Stewart through suspension. Look for captain Jamie Lyon and Brett Stewart to chime into the attack to take pressure off young halves duo Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans.
Key: For Brisbane to have any chance, they'll need halfback Peter Wallace to step up in a big way. If his kicking game is off-target at all, Manly will pounce and apply plenty of pressure.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-preview/manly-sea-eagles-v-brisbane-broncos-20110922-1kn2r.html#ixzz1YjGH8HES
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