TipResumen

INTRODUCTION

The last of the four first round finals matches involves the Broncos v Dragons, 6th v 7th. According to the odds, this is the most lop-sided match up in the first finals weekend, but with Widdops return, can the Dragons stun the in form Broncos or will the Broncos march on into week two?



BRISBANE BRONCOS

Brisbane have seemingly hit the good form just at the right time and super coach Wayne Bennett as their mentor could this be the first ever time that a side from outside the top 4 goes on to win the whole thing? Brisbane are in good enough form to think that is possible, claiming some good scalps of late. The past 6 outings have seen victories over three top 8 sides - Sharks, Rabbits and Roosters and Brisbane are on a 3 game winning streak leading into the finals. Corey Oates had a barn-storming game in his last outing running in 4 tries against Manly and he is a very useful weapon especially if it a high ball kicked into the corner. Brisbane have an attacking mindset and will try to use every advantage they have, just like their other winger, Isaako who has come out of nowhere this season to score the most points of any individual in 2018. As with the Dragons the halves are very important, Nikorima and Milford have had an up and down season but of late have been very good and playing off each other well. Milford has kicked for the most metres this season out of all players and both players have done a good job when kicking for repeat sets too, this will need to continue. Alex Glenn and Andrew McCullough have returned from injury to start.



ST GEORGE DRAGONS

Last weekend saw the return to the winners circle for St George after what can only be described as an abysmal form period. Losing heavily in a number of these matches the Dragons only won 3 from 9 and lost to Melbourne, Roosters and the Warriors with three other losses to sides well out of finals contention. The most concerning stat behind all this, is how many points were conceded. A whopping average of 26 PPG, this is a major concern for all concerned at the club. The dragons will be hoping for a miracle performance from their returning play maker, Gareth Widdop this weekend. This is Widdops team but he has to hit the ground running this weekend with no room for mistakes or time to adjust to the speed of the game. Without his leadership and importantly his kicking game I cannot see the Dragons getting up away from home. With Widdops return this should free up his halves partner, Ben Hunt, who has been under some heavy pressure to run the side around the park. If they can somehow conjure up the form St George had at the start of the season where Widdop and Hunt were running riot the Broncos could be in for a long afternoon. Hunt will also have a point to prove as he is a former Bronco. Widdop is the only change named.