BlueBet Stadium will play host to Friday's Round 1 NRL game between Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 8:05 pm with Penrith Panthers heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Penrith Panthers vs. Brisbane Broncos game and give you our free tips and bets.
When: Friday March 3, 2023 at 8:05 pm
Where: BlueBet Stadium
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos Odds
Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos Preview
Brisbane Broncos’ bid to put a late-season collapse and a summer of discontent in the rearview mirror could not meet a more difficult first hurdle: a road trip to take on the defending two-time premiers, who are bristling from a World Club Challenge defeat.
The Broncos are missing big-name recruit Reece Walsh, which sees Selwyn Cobbo named at fullback and Jesse Arthars on a wing.
Besides the lack of a top-class hooker, this Adam Reynolds-led line-up looks very strong with Martin Taupau bolstering an excellent pack from the bench.
The Panthers probably received the most intense pre-season match of any NRL club courtesy of an golden point WCC clash with St Helens.
That loss indicated they may take some time to get going with Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau leaving, though there were other key players out.
Sunia Turuva gets first crack at the wing spot vacated by the injured Taylan May, while Mitch Kenny takes his first steps as top hooker and ex-Tiger Luke Garner comes into the second-row.
The likes of Dylan Edwards and Liam Martin saw no pre-season action but should hit the ground running.
The Panthers have won their last four against the Broncos, including a 40-12 beatdown at Penrith in Round 6 last year.
The Broncos have come up empty in their last five visits to the foot of the mountains, last winning there way back in 2009.
Penrith is giving away 12.5 points at the line and the trend is traditionally towards big Round 1 underdog covering, while Brisbane has a strong record with starts of more than eight points.
The Panthers have won 27 of their last 29 at their home base and will take the points here, but a touch of early-season rust is likely to prevent a complete blowout.
Content provided by Ladbrokes
Head To Head Bet
We're tipping Penrith Panthers to win at $1.20 odds.
First Try Scorer
First Try Scorer: Brian To'o at $7.50.
Penrith Panthers vs Brisbane Broncos Teams
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Soni Luke 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Spencer Leniu 17. Jaeman Salmon 18. Zac Hosking 19. Matt Eisenhuth 20. Tyrone Peachey 21. Jack Cogger 22. Lindsay Smith
Broncos team: 1. Selwyn Cobbo 2. Corey Oates 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Herbie Farnworth 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Billy Walters 10. Payne Haas 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Keenan Palasia 16. Thomas Flegler 17. Martin Taupau 18. Deine Mariner 19. Brendan Piakura 20. Xavier Willison 21. Jock Madden 22. Delouise Hoeter