Defending champions South Sydney take on the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in the opening match of the 2015 NRL season.
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The Rabbitohs are fresh off winning the World Club Challenge in England, beating St Helens, and also took out the Auckland Nines and the Charity Shield.
The Broncos have been boosted by the return of legendary coach Wayne Bennett to Red Hill and the signings of Anthony Millford, Adam Blair and Darius Boyd. However, the home team will be without Boyd who is unavailable through injury.
Justin Hodges is likely to deputise at fullback in his place, with Millford slotting into the havles alongside Ben Hunt.
South Sydney will be confident despite the defection of English forward Sam Burgess to rugby union. They completely smashed St Helens, won the Auckland Nines and have a fearsome pack.
Manly’s Glenn Stewart has slotted into the forwards while star fullback Greg Inglis will lead the side from the back. Although South Sydney have a terrible record against the Broncos, winning just eight of their past 30 encounters, they will start as the favourities in this one.
They were last year’s grand final winners and have showed great strength, depth and confidence in the past two months. They may be playing away from home but they are a physical squad who remain hard to beat.
Brisbane missed the semi-finals in 2014 and will take time to general under Bennett’s coaching.
Where: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
When: 9.05am GMT Thursday (7.05pm local)
Watch live: Premier Sports
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