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Key absence reflected in Broncos' NRL odds

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Darren Lockyer's absence is sure to be felt by the Broncos when they play the Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium.

Complications with his right knee forced the club captain to pull out of the Centenary Test and this round-nine clash.

But the Broncos can take heart from the fact that David Stagg at full fitness is likely to be a better bet than a half-fit Lockyer.

Ashton Sims shifts to the second row to cover for Stagg, while Joel Clinton rejoins the starting side at prop. Justin Hodges will assume Lockyer's captaincy duties for the Mother's Day fixture.

Having the bye last week helped the Sea Eagles, as fullback Brett Stewart has been able to have further treatment on his calf muscle strain.

Stewart is available for the visit to Suncorp Stadium, but punters should not assume he will play - he will only be risked if 100 percent fit. David Williams has been named on the wing for his first game in the NRL for Manly, covering for the injured Michael Bani.
Brisbane (supported in to 8 in Betfair's Premiers market) go into the match on the back of two straight wins, having beaten Wests Tigers by 12 points in round eight.

It means they have similar recent form to Manly (13) who had close wins over the Eels and the Bulldogs in their last two games.

The Broncos showed in the win against the Tigers that they have potential match winners in different areas - Peter Wallace stepped up with an excellent performance including scoring the final try.

Each team has one player who will be backing up from the Test, so that is unlikely to be a factor.

What is more worthy of note is the Broncos' home record - they have won all their games at Suncorp this year, while the Sea Eagles have only a 33 per cent record away from home. Brisbane have also won three of the last four matches between these sides at Suncorp Stadium.

Broncos are trading at odds on in Betfair's NRL betting on the match but this is not a big stakes home banker.

Manly have reached second spot on the ladder playing some excellent football and it could be tighter than the market expects, especially with no Lockyer.

It could pay to keep an eye on any value for a Brisbane win by under 12.5 points.