PRE-GAME Round 20 - Broncos vs Bulldogs

[ZTop]

We could chuck Benji at Fullback if we get desperate

 

[Browny]

Bennett mind games.

Dogs have a game plan to target Kodi but last minute switch back to Isaako

 

[Super Freak]

Is wayne trying to fit all his play makers on the field at the same time?

He is doing a Laurie Daley but with halves instead of fullbacks.

 

[Unbreakable]

Bennett mind games.

Dogs have a game plan to target Kodi but last minute switch back to Isaako

He's not even in the 21

 

[Kyall]

I think this is just a stupid play and I have no fucking idea what's going on in Bennetts head. Isaako made a good debut and wasn't used properly in attack, he was starved of the ball a bit. His placement and ball control was great all night. So I see no reason to drop Isaako to fit Niko in who should be getting as much experience as he can in Q cup.

 

[ZTop]

He's not even in the 21

Who Nikorima or Isaako? Nikorima was originally.
That team listed above does say likely, That is not the confirmed team

 

[Big Pete]

Brisbane struggled to get around the Newcastle Knights with Isaako at the back, if nothing else Nikorima is more familiar with those around him and is the better playmaker.

I'm excited to see Kodi at fullback. Don't confuse his efforts on the wing (against Vunivalu...) as indicative as his play as a fullback, it's night and day.

I'm surprised we didn't get to see Kodi back there in 2014, honestly.

 

[ZTop]

What was Nikorima like as a fullback in the under 20's?

 

[Big Pete]

The only concern I have with Nikorima at fullback is that it's a specialist position. As we saw with Kahu, unless you train for it, it can be a difficult adjustment to make. Which is why Kahu was much better in the role when he had an off-season to prepare for it unlike a few games.

This could be problematic in the sense that Nikorima was always a half moonlighting as a fullback so Hodges could fit Paia'Aua and Taylor into the side.

When he did play there, he was a dangerous support runner who could shred the defence. However as I was alluding to, his positional play left something to be desired. Whenever a bomb would go up, it'd be one of those 'do your best' scenarios.

It's a bold strategy, hopefully it pays off.

 

[pagey]

What was Nikorima like as a fullback in the under 20's?

From what i seen he was a big reason they made the Gf , and almost got them the win . Jayden and knik got close to stealing the show that day. He goes good wirh the sweep play , that is why Bennett will play him imo

 

[ZTop]

From what i seen he was a big reason they made the Gf , and almost got them the win . Jayden and knik got close to stealing the show that day. He goes good wirh the sweep play , that is why Bennett will play him imo

I know he is more than capable in attack but I'm more worried about his defence and positioning

 

[Allo]

Brisbane struggled to get around the Newcastle Knights with Isaako at the back, if nothing else Nikorima is more familiar with those around him and is the better playmaker.

In his debut. I reckon you gotta give him more time to get a feel for the team combinations and timing of plays.

Niko should go ok, but Jonus and Kahu are gonna be hitting it up all night. I don't see Kodi making many kick return runs himself. High ball contests as well will obviously be an issue

 

[Unbreakable]

Kodi probably shouldn't have to worry too much about contesting bombs on the goal line, we're playing the Bulldogs, Mbye & Reynolds are just as likely to kick it out on the full as they are to kick it where they're aiming.

 

[Mitch06]

Kodi probably shouldn't have to worry too much about contesting bombs on the goal line, we're playing the Bulldogs, Mbye & Reynolds are just as likely to kick it out on the full as they are to kick it where they're aiming.

Frawley's kicking game is decent.

 

[Browny]

Blair to pressure the kickers. Simples

 

[BroncsFan]

I know he is more than capable in attack but I'm more worried about his defence and positioning

Maybe Kahu at the back for bombing situations and Knik at FB in attack.

Although I think Knik will just play FB the whole game

 

[BRC088]

The last time Kodi was in the backline, it didn't end so well... Bombs away. Last minute game day change it will be.

 

[Super Freak]

Broncos enter unfamiliar territory

The Brisbane Broncos are in unfamiliar territory this week as they prepare for their Round 20 clash against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs on the back of a five-day turnaround.

It is the club's first and only five-day turnaround of the year and the Bulldogs are sure to be fresh after having the bye in Round 19.

It has been over 13 months since Brisbane last had a five-day turnaround, with that happening between Round 13 and Round 14 of last year's season.

On that occasion the Broncos were made to play in New Zealand on the Saturday before travelling back to Brisbane to face Canberra on the following Thursday.

However, it did not appear to hinder them, with Brisbane cruising to an eight-point win over the Raiders at Suncorp Stadium.

Now it is time for Wayne Bennett's men to again play on limited preparation and for the players it is a weird feeling to be thrown out of their regular routine.

"I was saying that to one of the boys this morning. It's been a long time since we've had a five-day turnaround but it's just the way the schedule was. We have to get the job done," second-rower Alex Glenn said.

"It is a bit strange for us. We generally have Friday night games and we have a routine but this throws it out the door a little bit. Monday was business as usual so not much has changed yet."

These thoughts were echoed by veteran Sam Thaiday who said the players had adjusted well and were ready to take on a spirited Bulldogs side that must win to keep their season alive.

"Very short turnaround for us. If you saw us in Newcastle the other morning we were swimming in freezing cold temperatures to try and recover and get right," Thaiday said.

"Even the session we did on Monday, we tried to keep it short and sharp with our focus now on the Bulldogs and making sure everyone's going to be fighting fit and ready to go. Short week but we're preparing well."

Despite sitting 13th on the table, the Bulldogs have the wood on the Broncos this season.

Des Hasler's men ground out a 10-7 victory over Brisbane in Round 5, using the wet conditions to their advantage to secure what was a rare victory this season.

Despite the unexpected loss, the Broncos insist they are not thinking about revenge.

"Not so much getting revenge, we just want to make sure we are playing our brand of football," Glenn said.

"It's our last home game for a little while so we want to make sure we do our fans proud and nail our roles out there as a team.

"We are in the back-end of the season where it's all business now so we have to make sure we are doing all the little things right and all the one-per-centers."

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