StephenP
ArnoldRound 3 Preview - Brisbane VS Penrith
March 30th 2007 05:19
Brisbane Broncos VS Penrith Panthers @ Suncorp Stadium, 8pm, 30/03/2007
In a major boost for the struggling defending premiers, Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has today confirmed that both skipper Darren Lockyer and centre Justin Hodges will both take their place in tonight’s crucial Suncorp Stadium encounter with the Panthers.
Lockyer's surprise return has forced Bennett to reshuffle his non firing backline, with Karmichael Hunt's foray into the number seven jersey only lasting two games. The teenage sensation has replaced Justin Hodges at fullback for tonight’s match, with the big Maroon flyer shifting into the centres to replace rising star Joel Moon.
The return of Lockyer comes at a critical time for the Brisbane team, after having experienced back to back losses against the Cowboys and Warriors, coupled with the suspension this week of inspirational lock Tonie Carroll.
There are no such worries for the Penrith Panthers this week however, after they clinically disposed the Canterbury Bulldogs 40-10 last Friday night at Penrith. The massive Penrith pack completely dominated the formidable Bulldogs forwards, with the Puletua brothers in particular impressing new Panthers coach Matt Elliott.
Another strong point for the Panthers was the form of their under rated backline. While Gower, Lewis and Wesser always attract most of the media attention, the form of new five-eight Peter Wallace has gone largely unnoticed. After some solid trial form, Wallace is slowly building confidence in attack, providing the perfect foil for the more experienced Gower at half.
Tonight’s clash at Suncorp is set to be yet another tough forward encounter, with the Panthers unit seemingly having an advantage over a Brisbane pack missing Carroll, Parker and Stagg. However, if the Broncos decide to utilise an up tempo expansive game plan, than the defending premiers may just have too much flair for their Sydney rivals.
The inclusion of Lockyer and Hodges should mean that the Broncos will have too much firepower for the Panthers, so take the home team by 1-12 in a low scoring thriller.
Brisbane Broncos -
Karmichael Hunt, Steve Michaels, Brent Tate, Justin Hodges, Darius Boyd, Darren Lockyer, Shane Perry, Dane Carlaw, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva ©, Sam Thaiday, Brad Thorn, Greg Eastwood
Bench – Nick Kenny, Ben Hannant, Andrew Lomu, Ian Lacey
Penrith Panthers –
Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Luke Rooney, Peter Wallace, Craig Gower ©, Frank Puletua, Luke Priddis, Joel Clinton, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, Trent Waterhouse
Bench – Junior Moors, Nathan Smith, Paul Aiton, Matthew Cross, Tim Grant
In a major boost for the struggling defending premiers, Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has today confirmed that both skipper Darren Lockyer and centre Justin Hodges will both take their place in tonight’s crucial Suncorp Stadium encounter with the Panthers.
Lockyer's surprise return has forced Bennett to reshuffle his non firing backline, with Karmichael Hunt's foray into the number seven jersey only lasting two games. The teenage sensation has replaced Justin Hodges at fullback for tonight’s match, with the big Maroon flyer shifting into the centres to replace rising star Joel Moon.
The return of Lockyer comes at a critical time for the Brisbane team, after having experienced back to back losses against the Cowboys and Warriors, coupled with the suspension this week of inspirational lock Tonie Carroll.
There are no such worries for the Penrith Panthers this week however, after they clinically disposed the Canterbury Bulldogs 40-10 last Friday night at Penrith. The massive Penrith pack completely dominated the formidable Bulldogs forwards, with the Puletua brothers in particular impressing new Panthers coach Matt Elliott.
Another strong point for the Panthers was the form of their under rated backline. While Gower, Lewis and Wesser always attract most of the media attention, the form of new five-eight Peter Wallace has gone largely unnoticed. After some solid trial form, Wallace is slowly building confidence in attack, providing the perfect foil for the more experienced Gower at half.
Tonight’s clash at Suncorp is set to be yet another tough forward encounter, with the Panthers unit seemingly having an advantage over a Brisbane pack missing Carroll, Parker and Stagg. However, if the Broncos decide to utilise an up tempo expansive game plan, than the defending premiers may just have too much flair for their Sydney rivals.
The inclusion of Lockyer and Hodges should mean that the Broncos will have too much firepower for the Panthers, so take the home team by 1-12 in a low scoring thriller.
Brisbane Broncos -
Karmichael Hunt, Steve Michaels, Brent Tate, Justin Hodges, Darius Boyd, Darren Lockyer, Shane Perry, Dane Carlaw, Shaun Berrigan, Petero Civoniceva ©, Sam Thaiday, Brad Thorn, Greg Eastwood
Bench – Nick Kenny, Ben Hannant, Andrew Lomu, Ian Lacey
Penrith Panthers –
Rhys Wesser, Michael Gordon, Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis, Luke Rooney, Peter Wallace, Craig Gower ©, Frank Puletua, Luke Priddis, Joel Clinton, Frank Pritchard, Tony Puletua, Trent Waterhouse
Bench – Junior Moors, Nathan Smith, Paul Aiton, Matthew Cross, Tim Grant
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