Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters Prediction: Brisbane to add to Roosters’ woes

Two of the biggest clubs in Australia meet in the NRL on Friday as Brisbane Broncos host Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium (11:00 BST, 20:00 local). The Broncos have flown out of the blocks in the opening five rounds, winning four of their games to sit second in the table. Only the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have fared better, winning all five of their games to date.

While the Broncos are flying high, the Roosters are 16th in the table after one win so far, with Trent Robinson unable to get a tune out of his players just yet. Below are my Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters predictions, supported by team news and match odds.

Brisbane Broncos vs Sydney Roosters Odds

Brisbane's electric start to the season makes them the 1/5 favourites for Friday's battle on home soil, while the draw is 25/1, and the Roosters are considered 18/5 outsiders, implying a 21.7% chance of success.

The Broncos are -14 favourites for the encounter at Suncorp Stadium, while they are priced at 13/8 to overcome a -20.5 start.

Team News

The Broncos are without back-rower Brendan Piakura due to a two-game ban, meaning Jaiyden Hunt gets to start, while Martin Taupau gets a place on the bench.

Rugby League Odds

Roosters coach Robinson has dropped veteran half-back Chad Townsend, who makes way for Hugo Savala.

Savala is set to make only his fourth appearance in the NRL and his first as a starter.

Lindsay Collins is ruled out with a knee injury, meaning Nat Butcher moves to prop from lock. Victor Radley returns from a cheekbone injury to start at 13.

Handicap 3-way - Brisbane Broncos -14 @ 20/21

Remarkably, the two teams have won 25 games each in the 50 contests between the pair since 1998.

Brisbane levelled the head-to-head scores when they ran out 50-14 winners in March in round one, and another convincing win is expected.

After losing 32-22 to the Canberra Raiders in round two, the Broncos have since scored at least 20 points in wins over the North Queensland Cowboys, Dolphins and Wests Tigers.

Michael Maguire's Brisbane actually scored 32 points against the Tigers in the second half, and they should have too much class for a Roosters team who are low on confidence.

Brisbane average seven linebreaks per game, something the Roosters should have real trouble against, so expect Brisbane to cover the handicap in front of a packed crowd.

Total Points - Over 50.5 Points @ 20/21

The last two meetings between the two clubs have contained at least 58 points and Friday's encounter should follow in a similar pattern.

Robinson's team have conceded 20 or more points in four of their five games so far. They shipped 32 in their only win of the season against the Penrith Panthers, and this should be another lively scoreline.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.