The Brisbane Broncos host the feel-good story of the 2023 NRL season, the New Zealand Warriors, in the second Preliminary Final on Saturday.
Brisbane will be looking for a return to the Grand Final for the first time since 2015, whilst the Warriors will look to book their third trip to the big dance.
Who wins out of the Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors?
Read our preview below:
2nd Preliminary Final
Brisbane Broncos (2nd) vs New Zealand Warriors (4th)
Suncorp Stadium – 7:50pm AEST
Brisbane has been nearly unstoppable in 2023 and will look to put the ‘Wahs’ movement to an end on Saturday night. Led by a blistering spine and imposing forward pack, on paper, the Broncos have a massive advantage. Brisbane’s team is stacked with winners at all levels of rugby league and will look to use that experience to gain an early advantage on the dangerous Warriors side.
Meanwhile, the Warriors have taken both Australia and New Zealand by storm, with the ‘Up the Wahs’ movement spreading like wildfire across the NRL community. Spurred on by the incredible fan support, New Zealand has quickly proven they are a genuine force to be reckoned with this season. Led by the veteran Shaun Johnson, the Warriors’ attack could cause Brisbane some serious issues come Saturday night.
Last 5 games
Warriors
L v Dolphins 34-10
W v Dragons 18-6
W v Sea Eagles 29-22
W v Tigers 30-22
W v Knights 40-10
Broncos
W v Cowboys 30-14
W v Eels 54-10
W v Raiders 29-18
L v Storm 32-22
W v Storm 26-0
Last 3 meetings
Broncos def Warriors 26-22
Warriors def Broncos 16-6
Broncos def Warriors 24-22
Why the Broncos will win
The Broncos are the form side of the competition when attacking the line, scoring 20 or more in its last nine games, averaging 33 points per game across the time span. Despite not being the fastest starters in the league, Brisbane has proven it can very easily take control of a game within a matter of minutes and put the result beyond doubt in the first half. The unpredictability of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam adds an extra element to an already elite attack. Whilst Adam Reynolds and Billy Walters' game management allows extra freedom for the creative players to shine when near the line.
Why the Warriors will win
The Warriors cannot be underestimated in this matchup. After the final game of the regular season, SEN’s Scott Sattler reported that Brisbane players wished they had this matchup in Week 1. The Broncos have their wish and could very well live to regret that. New Zealand is no longer just a fun team, the deadly attack combined with some motivated players in defence could very well determine the result in this clash. The Warriors could cash in on the Broncos’ slow start, as seen last week when they crashed over for three tries in the first ten minutes.
Key Player
Shaun Johnson
Although an obvious answer, Shaun Johnson is the most important player in this matchup. While the Broncos have multiple options to go to in attack, New Zealand’s chances primarily stem around Johnson. This well-publicised fact hasn’t stopped him from re-establishing himself as one of the best players in the game and his dominance down the right side of the field could be the difference come full-time.
Key Stat
The Broncos have won just one of the last four games against the Warriors in Brisbane.
Prediction
Warriors by 1 point
First Try: Reece Walsh (Broncos)
Player of the Match: Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
