A host of Storm superstars return after a well-deserved rest for their clash with a Broncos team that’s simply playing for pride on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium.
After securing the minor premiership, Storm coach Craig Bellamy had the luxury of resting 11 players last week, but they are all back on deck for the final round of the regular season.
MATCH CENTRE: Broncos vs Storm live updates, score, stats
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Melbourne will be without Ryan Papenhuyzen (bone bruising) and Christian Welch (illness) but both are expected back for the first week of finals. Sua Fa’alogo takes over at fullback, while Lazarus Vaalepu is on the bench for Welch.
It’s been a disappointing 12 months for the Broncos. This time last season they were in the hunt for the minor premiership and went on to play in the grand final. Now it’s pretty much time to pack up season 2023 after last week’s 40-6 loss to the Dolphins ended their finals hopes.
Injuries have cruelled the Broncos throughout the season and it’s no different this week with Kotoni Staggs (quad), Payne Haas (foot) and Brendan Piakura (ankle) all unavailable to play.
That means Selwyn Cobbo shifts to centre with Corey Oates named on the wing, Fletcher Baker will start up front for Haas and Jaiyden Hunt replaces Piakura on an edge. Xavier Willison is also out due to a ban with Kobe Hetherington replacing him on the bench.
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Source Agencies
