Roosters vs Broncos Predictions, Preview, Stream, Odds & Picks
NRL Round 21
Heavyweights Collide at SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground plays host to a huge rugby league clash between the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos on Thursday.
The Roosters are one of the big improvers over the last few weeks, but beating the Broncos, who are hurting after a shock loss, could be difficult.
Rugby odds have the Roosters at -4½ and there is value for NRL bettors in Round 21.
Let’s review the latest Rugby News, stats, injury reports, and Rugby Odds for Roosters vs Broncos. We’ve plenty of Rugby Picks and Predictions for you to consider.
Roosters Clucking at Right Time
The Roosters have hit their stride at the right time after posting three consecutive wins. They defeated the Dragons, Knights, and Sea Eagles, but there are questions about the strength of the opposition.
Beating the Dragons and Knights is easy work. A closer game was expected against the Sea Eagles, but they lost seven players during the week, which shortened the Roosters’ odds to around -600.
Despite the lack of tough games, winning three in a row approaching Round 21 is positive. The sportsbook is giving them plenty of respect against the Broncos despite being eighth on the NRL ladder compared to the Bronco’s fifth.
They are 21-10 at the SCG and the Broncos are 0-2, so that’s in the Rooster’s favor and it’s likely why they’re -170 favorites to win outright. However, beating a Broncos team fresh off an embarrassing loss could be the worst time to face one of the stronger premiership contenders.
Broncos Ready To Rebound
Just when it looked like the Broncos were marching up the leaderboard with wins over the Dragons, Titans and Eels, they lose to the lowly Wests Tigers.
The Tigers are one of the worst teams in the NRL, so the 32-18 loss at Suncorp Stadium was one of the biggest betting online upsets of the year. The Tigers were given no chance of winning, so the Broncos should be better-focused against the Roosters.
It could have been a classic look-ahead spot for the Broncos, who knew they had a huge upcoming clash. Despite the loss, the Broncos have a strong roster and fullback Tesi Nui, who could lose his spot to the incoming Reece Walsh next season, welcomes the healthy competition.
“I’ve come up with the ranks with him and it’s good to see him back, family first, so I’m happy for him”. “But right now I’m focused on playing good footy and enjoying this year.
“The rest will come, whatever happens after that, happens. Hopefully, we can work our way into the finals. I haven’t played in the finals before and that’s what is driving me.”
There had been strong money for the Broncos to win the title. Those odds took a hit at the sportsbook after the Tiger’s loss, but a win at +130 odds on Thursday could see the markets change again.
Roosters vs Broncos Head-to-Head
This is the second meeting between the Roosters and the Broncos. The Roosters took the opening contest 24-20 away from home in April.
They have played 45 times since 1998 and the Roosters have a slim 23-22 advantage, so there’s never much between them.
Roosters vs Broncos Game Information
- Game:Roosters (10-9) vs Broncos (12-7)
- Location: Sydney Cricket Ground
- Day/Time:Thursday, 5:50 a.m. ET
- Live Stream: RugbyPass
Roosters vs Broncos Betting Lines
Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
Sydney Roosters | -4½ Ev | -170 | ||
Brisbane Broncos | +4½ -140 | +130 |
Roosters vs Broncos Prediction
We respect the ability of this improving Roosters outfit but they haven’t been playing tough teams like the Broncos.
Despite losing last week, the Broncos were likely mentally preparing for this contest and they’ll be much harder to beat.
There is excellent value with the +130 moneyline odds, but because it should be a close game either way, take the +4½, which is a crucial number when betting on rugby league. A try is worth four points, so it’s worth locking in before late money comes for the visitors.