The Brisbane Broncos have firmed in to 1,44 (-6,5) following the withdrawals the Roosters State of Origin halfback and their most influential forward Nat Myles.
Todd Carney will come into first receiver and Braith Anasta will play a similar role at pivot to what he would have at left second row. Pearce and Myles are a massive loss, but the Roosters still have the talent to score enough winning points, but their problem will be their rocky line defence.
This will be a big scoring game as the only hope the Roosters have is to throw caution to the wind and use the ball at every opportunity.
The Broncos certainly look like clear winners, but all the pressure is on them as a loss here will be like a 4 point swing and they probably cannot make the final four and gain a home semi.
The Broncos are sitting on 22 points and 30 points will be required to play in the semis. They have been forecast to win 5 of the remaining seven games leaving them on 32 points and well placed to make the four.
The Roosters are on 24 points and they are forecast to win another three games leaving them with 30 points and an opportunity to play in the semis. They would need to either win this game against the Broncos or next week against the Eels to be a chance to make the final four.
Overall Head-to-head Records
Played 33; Brisbane 21, Sydney Roosters 12
Head-to-head at Suncorp Stadium
Played 5; Brisbane 3, Sydney Roosters 2
Last 10 Games Head-to-head: Played 10; Brisbane 8, Sydney Roosters 2
Brisbane Broncos: Josh Hoffman, Antonio Winterstein, Alex Glenn, Israel Folau, Jharal Yow Yeh, Darren Lockyer ©, Peter Wallace, Shane Tronc, Andrew McCullough, Nick Kenny, Ben Te'o, Sam Thaiday, Corey Parker. Interchange: Ben Hunt, Matt Gillett, Mitchell Dodds, Josh McGuire.
Sydney Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Phil Graham, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Sam Perrett, Braith Anasta,Todd Carney, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Mitchell Aubusson,. Interchange: Mose Masoe, , Daniel Conn, Nick Kouparitsas, Tom Symmonds
