Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos: NRL Thursday preview

Sydney Roosters will be out to make an early statement when they begin their NRL campaign at home to Brisbane Broncos.

The Roosters have lost some key players through the off-season and have already been written off by many pundits and supporters.

However, they still have a strong roster compared to some and will be out to prove the doubters wrong throughout 2025.

Brisbane also have a lot to prove after missing out on finals in 2024, but they have a new coach and star players available again, so should bounce back this season.

After the bright lights of Las Vegas, it is back to Australia and you could not ask for a better opening clash than Roosters v Broncos.

Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos betting preview

New era begins for Roosters

All eyes will be on the Roosters to see how they cope with the loss of some big players, including Joey Manu, Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Not only that, the Roosters have lost key players to injury, with Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and Spencer Leniu all missing.

But they still have quality in the side and will be led by influential skipper James Tedesco, while new recruit Chad Townsend has plenty of experience in the halves.

There is also plenty of fire power on the wings in the form of Dominic Young and Daniel Tupou.

Angus Crichton also loves playing against the Broncos, the second-rower has scored six tries in the last five games against them and he can be backed at 4.00 to score a try at anytime.

The Roosters have won four of the past five games against the Broncos and will be desperate to keep that run going.

Maguire at the helm for Broncos

The Broncos have a new coach for the 2025 NRL campaign in the form of Michael Maguire.

Fresh from State of Origin success with New South Wales, Maguire is now aiming to bring the glory days back to the Broncos.

The new-look halves pairing of Ben Hunt and Adam Reynolds has plenty experience and quality and will be key to their chances of doing well.

Brisbane have performed well in pre-season and will now look to hit the ground running in the NRL.

It will be their first trip to the new Allianz Stadium in Sydney, but the venue should hold no fear for them.

Deine Mariner enjoys playing in Sydney, scoring six tries in his last four games there and he will be keen to get among the tries once again.

The centre can be backed at 3.10 to score a try at anytime, or 15.00 to grab the first try of the game.

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Sydney Roosters v Brisbane Broncos odds

Sydney Roosters - 2.80
Brisbane Broncos - 1.44

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.