Fresh from claiming the Pre-Season Challenge despite using two almost entirely different squads, the Broncos will be aiming to get their season proper off to a winning start against the Roosters.
While the disappointment of losing the grand final still looms large, the Broncos youngsters will be looking to make amends as they take part in an historic double-header at Allegiant Stadium, but will have to overcome a Roosters side who are also out to prove a point.
The Roosters fought their way into the finals after an inconsistent overall season by their standards and they will be aiming to produce a strong start to 2024 to help build a sturdier foundation for their desired push further into the post-season.
The Broncos lost some key grand final experience to other clubs and have placed their trust in their young guns to shine, while the Roosters will be without suspended forward leader Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and injured recruit Dom Young for this match.
However, there are still plenty of talented players and excitement machines in both squads who will be looking to light up Las Vegas.
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Team News
Roosters: No further late changes after centre Billy Smith withdrew from the squad on Saturday afternoon due to a minor hamstring injury. The backline reshuffle sees Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii move to centre and Junior Pauga come in on the wing. Connor Watson is the 18th man.
Broncos: A big move an hour out from kick-off with veteran Martin Taupau not only joining the 17 but coming into the run-on side, with Corey Jensen reverting to the bench. Xavier Willison is the man who makes way, with the side otherwise unchanged from that named on Tuesday. Edge forward Brendan Piakura (knee), Ezra Mam (groin) and Jordan Riki (shoulder) are all good to go.
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Stat Attack
- The Roosters have won five of their past seven games against the Broncos.
- Broncos centre Selwyn Cobbo has scored 19 tries in his past 22 NRL games.
- Roosters second-rower Sitili Tupouniua has scored four tries in his past four games against the Broncos.
- Currently named as the 18th player for the side, Broncos winger Corey Oates has scored five tries in his past two games against the Roosters.
- Listed in the reserves, if Roosters forward Angus Crichton does feature in the match, it will be his 100th game for the club.
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Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the .