Matchday Details
Friday, 6 March – 8pm (AEST) – Suncorp Stadium
📺 Broadcast: Nine / Fox League / Kayo
Referee: Adam Gee | Bunker: Ashley Klein
Broncos
1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Gehamat Shibasaki 5. Deine Mariner 6. Ezra Mam 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Corey Jensen 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Jack Gosiewski 12. Jordan Riki 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Ben Hunt 15. Xavier Willison 16. Ben Talty 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Grant Anderson 19. Jesse Arthars 20. Blake Mozer 21. Jaiyden Hunt 22. Thomas Duffy
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Paul Alamoti 3. Izack Tago 4. Casey McLean 5. Brian To’o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Scott Sorensen 12. Luke Garner 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Jack Cogger 15. Luron Patea 16. Isaiah Papali’i 17. Kalani Going 18. Thomas Jenkins 19. Freddy Lussick 20. Billy Phillips 21. Jack Cole 22. Sione Fonua
Match Preview
The Broncos begin their title defence in a blockbuster season opener against the side they knocked out in last September’s thrilling preliminary final, ending the Panthers’ four-year reign at the top.
For the first time since their incredible run began, the Panthers have enjoyed a stable off-season, keeping largely the same roster as last year. Another preseason to build the combination of Nathan Cleary and Blaize Talagi in the halves should only help their cause in 2026. The Broncos are back on home soil after being unable to claim the World Club Challenge, a late rally not enough to defeat Hull KR in the UK. While it was a disappointing loss, that game should provide plenty of lessons as they head into the new season.
Liam Martin is out for Penrith with a calf injury, with Luke Garner set to start in the back row in his place. New recruits Jack Cogger, Kalani Going and Freddy Lussick have all been named on the six-man bench. Cleary will take his place in the team after successfully having his charge downgraded at the judiciary. Ezra Mam will start in the halves for the Broncos alongside Adam Reynolds, with Ben Hunt shifting to the bench and Cory Paix starting at hooker.
This is a battle of two premiership heavyweights, and it’s difficult to separate the two sides across the park. Having Cleary line up is a huge boost for Penrith, and that should free up Talagi to take the game on after showing immense improvement as last season went on. Walsh is the key, though. The Broncos fullback produced one of the great grand final performances in last year’s triumph, and with another year under his belt he should enter this season full of confidence.
The Broncos have the slight edge in the middle, thanks largely to Payne Haas. The star prop was outstanding once again in the World Club Challenge, playing the full 80 minutes and running for 143 metres while also making 47 tackles for just one loss. Haas will come up against the Panthers duo of Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith, whose impact grew throughout last season. Isaah Yeo and Patrick Carrigan provide the glue for their respective sides as two of the premier locks in the competition, and whoever can take control of the middle of the field and slow the speed of the game will likely win it.
On the outside, the Panthers boast two of the best finishers in Brian To’o and Paul Alamoti, while To’o is still one of the best in the competition at getting his team’s sets started on the right foot. One of the more intriguing matchups will come just inside in the centres. Izack Tago and Casey McLean are two immensely talented young players, but their defence can still be shaky at times. They will need to be at their best to stop two strong ball carriers in Kotoni Staggs and Gehamat Shibasaki.
The Broncos are tough to beat at Suncorp Stadium, having won seven of their past eight games at the venue. Tago will celebrate his 100th NRL appearance.
Prediction
RLZ Tip: Broncos by 2
Bold call: First try doesn’t come until after 30 minutes.
Related
- NRL Round 1 (Week 2) 2026 Predictions & Tips
- NRL Round 1 Team Lists – 2026 Season
- NRL 2026 Results Tracker
- 2026 NRL Match Review Results Tracker: Charges, Suspensions & Fines
