NRL 2023: Matty Johns combined teams and preview for Broncos v Dolphins, Storm v Tigers

If you picked a combined Broncos-Dolphins outfit, you might only squeeze three of Redcliffe’s finest in. But Wayne Bennett defies all logic when it comes to big games, writes MATTY JOHNS.

Matty Johns

4 min read

March 23, 2023 - 4:43PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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The Battle of Brisbane is about to begin - but first, let’s have a shot at picking a combined Broncos-Dolphins side.

And in breaking down the NRL’s only 3-0 sides, it becomes clear that while one team may have a man-to-man match-up advantage, there’s much more at play on Friday night that will decide the result.

BRISBANE DOLPHINS

FULLBACK – Reece Walsh

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has been sensational for the Dolphins, but Reece is the most exciting player in the NRL at the moment. Nobody is playing better.

WINGS – Tesi Niu and Selwyn Cobbo

Selwyn’s elite at both yardage and finishing, while Tesi Niu picked up a hat-trick last week, and came up with important defensive reads.

Reece Walsh has been dynamic for the Broncos in the opening month of NRL. Picture: NRL Images.

CENTRES – Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth

Herbie is a tremendous footballer, his constant improvement is reward for his dedication and work ethic.

I don’t know many players who have the gifts of Kotoni Staggs. My wish is that he doubles his involvement.

HALVES – Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds

Beautiful combination, Adam Reynolds controls the team, finesses the football, kicks to apply pressure. Basically, he does all Ezra’s worrying, and lets him run and support, run and support.

MIDDLE MEN – Patrick Carrigan, Jesse Bromwich and Payne Haas

This is a title winning middle combination. Bromwich has all the experience, and the knowledge of what a career at the top requires. Carrigan is a very classy, clever footballer, and Payne Haas is already a phenomenon, but showing signs he’s about to take his career to an even higher level.

Kenny Bromwich sneaks his way into the backrow of Matty Johns’ combined 13. Picture: Patrick Woods.

THE BACK-ROW – Kenny Bromwich and Kurt Capewell

Kenny Bromwich switches around between the middle and the edge. I like him in the back-row, terrific defensive player and creative in attack.

Kurt Capewell has been in good form. His experience has been an enormous help to Ezra Mam, in attack and defensive decision making.

HOOKER – Billy Walters

I thought Kodi Nikorima played very well last week, but Billy Walters has been a genuine quiet achiever in 2023. In a team demonstrating so much attacking flair and brilliance, Billy has been playing career best football. Strong through the centrefield in all aspects.

WHAT TO MAKE OF THAT TEAM

No surprises that the Broncos dominate this team. However in selection, I’ve definitely had a bias on attack, and the Broncos’ want and ability to push the ball around the park, may very well suit the Dolphins.

The Dolphins’ strength is their patience, and that they can absorb opposition pressure. The Broncos can, if not careful, attack their way into trouble. Playing an expansion game gives the Dolphins an opportunity to force errors.

The Dolphins’ strength is that they know exactly what type of team they are, and what they need to do to win.

This is a match of two vastly different styles, flair vs patience, brilliance vs grind. And then there’s Wayne Bennett. How many of these matches does he lose?

Everything the Dolphins do will be aimed at ensuring they will be in the match with five to go.

Are you tipping against this bloke? Matty Johns can’t do it. Picture: Getty

WHO WINS?

I’ve just bought a ticket on the Wayne train. Even without Kafusi, the Dolphins can cause a huge upset.

Their greatest concern will be Adam Reynolds’ kicking game, and containing Haas. If the Broncos pull back a touch in attack and focus on Adam’s last tackle options, then they win. But I’m not sure they’ll do that amongst all the excitement and adrenaline.

The best coaches take an opposition strength and try and disrupt it. Look for the Dolphins to apply pressure on Reece Walsh and try and start to dismantle the Broncos by frustrating the star fullback.

Look, I can talk tactics for another thousand words. Bottom line, we all know how much Wayne wants this victory, and more often than not, he defies logic and finds a way.

MELBOURNE TIGERS

FULLBACK – Adam Doueihi

Has started the year very scratchy trying to finesse the football and he’s tied himself in knots. Adam is a runner, fullback will force him to do that.

WINGS – Xavier Coates and Charlie Staines

Xavier is an automatic, while I’ve gone for Charlie Staines on the other wing. Fullback saw him out of his depth, he’s a class finisher.

Adam Doueihi has had a tough start to the season, but he wins a spot in Matty Johns’ combined Melbourne Tigers outfit. Picture: Getty

CENTRES – Justin Olam and Reimis Smith

Olam is a powerhouse, the NRL’s most feared centre, while Reimis is still building confidence and match fitness from his long injury lay-off. I expect a strong performance here.

HALVES – Cam Munster and Luke Brooks

Munster, the first player picked in this team. Still a doubt around if he plays. If he does, this side suddenly looks extremely strong. If he doesn’t, they’re vulnerable.

Brooks would be the player the Tigers need him to be alongside Cam Munster.

MIDDLE FORWARDS – Christian Welch, David Klemmer and Tui Kamikamica

Plenty of size through the middle. Klemmer will benefit enormously, working alongside the two experienced big men, in Kamikamica and Welch.

Cameron Munster has been named to make his comeback for the Melbourne Storm. Picture: Getty

BACK-ROW – Isaiah Papali’i and Eliesa Katoa

Papali’i has had a difficult start to his Tigers career, he missed last week and was quiet in the first two rounds. But he’s intelligent and hardworking. I’m expecting a strong performance here.

Katoa was off his game against the Titans, but most of the Storm were. In the trials, and in the first two rounds, he’s been eye-catching.

Bateman is still a few months away from full fitness and form.

HOOKER – Harry Grant

A couple of “good ‘uns” to pick from, but Harry Grant is an easy selection, even when up against Api Koroisau.

WHAT’S THE SIDE TELL US

Look, the Tigers aren’t short of creative players, they just need them to find form and understanding of each other. Api Koroisau would be an automatic selection, in just about every other combined side.

I like the new creative structure of the Tigers. Wakeham frees up Brooks. The challenge for the Tigers is controlling the Storm yardage game, which will be led by the outside-backs.

WHO WINS?

Munster is the big in, and the big out.

If Munster remains in the stands, without Jerome Hughes, this will be a very close battle.

If Munster plays, Melbourne win.