Both teams enter Thursday night on the NRL losing list following poor performances against Canterbury and Manly respectively.

Brisbane were expected to kick start their season last week against a below-average Bulldogs side but instead came unstuck in a 10-7 loss. Their defence has been heavily praised so far this year however their offence is starting to become a real problem for Wayne Bennett's men.

Sydney, meanwhile, dropped their first points of the season in an 18-12 loss and looked disinterested at times in the match. Their back five are as explosive as any in the competition and will need to continue producing their good early season form if the Roosters are to win up north.

James Roberts remains in out with a hamstring injury despite being named while Dylan Napa is out for the tricolours with an ankle injury.

This could go either way but the Broncos are tough to beat at home. We think they'll be able to score just enough should their defence continue their sturdy ways.

Broncos by 4

Brisbane Broncos 32 (Andrew McCullough, Sam Thaiday, Korbin Sims, James Roberts, David Mead tries; Jordan Kahu 6 goals) def. Sydney Roosters 8 (Mitch Aubusson, Blake Ferguson tries) at Suncorp Stadium. Half-time: Broncos 14-8. Crowd: 30,376.