Reece Walsh and the Brisbane Broncos will face off against Jahream Bula and the Wests Tigers in a highly anticipated showdown at Suncorp Stadium.
The Tigers will be without Samuela Fainu, with Jack Bird stepping into the starting lineup and Tony Sukkar named on the bench.
For the Broncos, Jordan Riki is the only player missing from the side that defeated the Dolphins in Round 4, serving a suspension. Brendan Piakura replaces him in the back row — a big chance for the highly rated youngster seen as a future Queensland Origin player, despite surprisingly being behind journeyman Jack Gosiewski in the pecking order until now.
Jaiyden Hunt makes his first appearance of the season, taking a spot on the bench.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall has turned to youth, handing teenager Latu Fainu the No.7 jersey. Jarome Luai will miss a week after receiving a suspension for a careless high tackle on Warriors winger Edward Kosi.
Adam Doueihi is back in the lineup after missing the last game due to a groin strain. As a result, Jack Bird moves back to the bench after filling in during Doueihi’s absence.
On the wing, Luke Laulilii gets a start, with Solomona Faataape dropped to the reserves following the Tigers’ Round 4 defeat to the Warriors.
Team Lineups:
Broncos:
1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Kotoni Staggs
4. Gehamat Shibasaki
5. Jesse Arthars
6. Ben Hunt
7. Adam Reynolds
8. Patrick Carrigan
9. Cory Paix
10. Payne Haas
11. Jack Gosiewski
12. Brendan Piakura
13. Kobe Hetherington
14. Billy Walters
15. Corey Jensen
16. Xavier Willison
17. Jaiyden Hunt
Reserves: 19. Deine Mariner, 20. Martin Taupau
Tigers:
1. Jahream Bula
2. Sunia Turuva
3. Adam Doueihi
4. Starford To’a
5. Luke Laulilii
6. Lachlan Galvin
7. Latu Fainu
8. Terrell May
9. Apisai Koroisau
10. Fonua Pole
11. Jack Bird
12. Alex Seyfarth
13. Alex Twal
14. Tallyn Da Silva
15. Royce Hunt
16. Sione Fainu
17. Tony Sukkar
Reserves: 18. Heath Mason,
20. Solomona Faataape
