NRL Round 6 Preview and Prediction - Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters @ Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Broncos v Sydney Roosters @ Suncorp Stadium
 
Preview - The Broncos will be desperate to avoid back-to-back losses when they host the Roosters in a blockbuster on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium. The Broncos have now lost games by 3-points, 2-points and a field goal this year, after they went down 10-7 to the Bulldogs last week at ANZ Stadium. With the Origin period only a month or so away, this side can really ill afford to drop to 2-4 given they are likely to be decimated during this period. The Roosters suffered their first loss of the season as they were surprisingly beaten 18-12 by Manly at Allianz Stadium. After starting the season with four straight wins, the Roosters always looked a little flat during this game and that could be the tonic to fire them up again here for this massive game. 
 
History - The Roosters have won 4 of their last 7 clashes against the Broncos, however the Broncos have won the past 3 straight at Suncorp Stadium. Overall, the Broncos have a strong record against the Roosters having won 25 and lost 17. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos have once again named the same 17, as they are one of the few teams without any disruptions through the opening 6 weeks of the competition. There is some doubt around James Roberts with a hamstring injury, whilst there have been rumours Kodi Nikorima could win a start on the bench. Jordan Kahu has had a mixed start to the year with his blunder last week, picking up a drop kick that didn't go 10 metres, which caused a huge momentum shift in the game and was pointed out by Coach Wayne Bennett at the press conference.
 
Sydney Roosters’ Scouting Report - The Roosters lose one of their big men up front with Dylan Napa out with an ankle injury. The Roosters will certainly miss his presence upfront in what is sure to be a very willing forward battle. Isaac Liu will start in the front row with Kane Evans winning a start on the bench. 
 
Verdict - Roosters by 1-6 in a high quality game

I'm going to stick with the Roosters here. I just think they are a better side than Brisbane and will be looking to bounce back from their loss last week. I think Brisbane's attack has been pedestrian most of the season and they are going to need more than 2 or 3 tries if they want to beat this Roosters’ side. I just think the Roosters have more weapons across the park and, if they turn up with the right attitude, they will have too many points in them for the Broncos. What does worry me slightly is the Broncos have a lot more at stake here as they desperately can't afford to start the season 2-4 with the Origin period only a month or so away.