Sunday, Suncorp Stadium, 2pm
Referee: Shayne Hayne
The Broncos are going to have to bat on without Darren Lockyer for a while again, after he suffered a recurrence of a knee injury. That will make it difficult for them against opponents as good as the Sea Eagles, even at home. The Sea Eagles may not be settled in the five-eighth position themselves, but, for the Broncos, losing Lockyer is much more than losing a five-eighth - it's losing an inspirational leader and dynamic playmaker, who, in top form, still rates as one of the best two players in the world along with North Queensland's Johnathan Thurston.
On the plus side for the Broncos, they get fullback Karmichael Hunt back from injury, and that is timely because he is bound to come forward into the attacking line and so some of the playmaking in Lockyer's absence. The Sea Eagles are coming off the bye and will have been primed by coach Des Hasler to start quickly against the Broncos and try to create some uncertainty in the home team's ranks with Lockyer not there. Manly have got the ability to do that, with an in-form forward pack and plenty of power and speed in the backs. Intriguing match-up that should result in a great game.
Late mail
Brisbane pair David Stagg and Tonie Carroll only trained briefly yesterday as they battle hamstring strains, however they are expected to play against the Sea Eagles on Sunday. Manly are expected to be as named.
BRONCOS: Karmichael Hunt, Denan Kemp, Darius Boyd, Justin Hodges, Reece Robinson, David Stagg (capt), Peter Wallace, Ben Hannant, Michael Ennis, Joel Clinton, Sam Thaiday, Ashton Sims, Tonie Carroll. Interchange: PJ Marsh, Nick Kenny, Greg Eastwood, Joel Moon, David Taylor, Derrick Watkins. (two to be omitted)
SEA EAGLES: Brett Stewart, Michael Robertson, Steve Bell, Steve Matai, David Williams, Jamie Lyon, Matt Orford (capt), Josh Perry, Matt Ballin, Brent Kite, Steve Menzies, Glenn Stewart, Luke Williamson. Interchange: Vic Mauro, Glenn Hall, Adam Cuthbertson, Mark Bryant, Heath L'Estrange, Nick Bradley-Qalilawa, Phil Morwood. (three to be omitted)
