In a rematch of their enthralling 2025 preliminary final, the Brisbane Broncos will host the Penrith Panthers in a blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Broncos defeated Penrith 16-14 on that afternoon before edging out Melbourne in the Grand Final to end a 19-year premiership drought. The reigning premiers will be aiming to start their title defence on a positive note after a disappointing World Club Challenge defeat to Hull KR.

On the personnel front, the Broncos have three changes from their premiership-winning side, with Brendan Piakura (knee) injured while Kobe Hetherington and Tyson Smoothy have departed the club.

Jack Gosiewski comes into the starting back row while Ben Talty and recruit Aublix Tawha have been named on the interchange.

Meanwhile, Penrith will be entering a new season as the hunter instead of the hunted for the first time since 2021.

NSW Origin forward Liam Martin misses due to a calf injury, while recruits Jack Cogger, Kalani Going and Freddy Lussick have all been named on the interchange.

Nathan Cleary is free to play after successfully challenging a dangerous contact charge at the judiciary and he’ll need to be at his best to help his team defeat a Broncos side who are determined to prove they are no one trick pony.

For the latest news, odds and analysis ahead of this heavyweight hit out, check out our Broncos vs Panthers tips and predictions below.

Broncos vs Panthers Prediction and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

What a game we have here! Reigning premiers Brisbane will take on the side they dethroned, the Panthers, underneath the Friday night lights of Suncorp Stadium.

In a big boost for the visitors, Nathan Cleary has been cleared to play after a quick trip to the judiciary, meaning both sides will effectively be at full-strength.

At home and the reigning champions, it’s no surprise that Brisbane are the favourites here. However, heavy lies the crown and reigning premiers have lost each of their last three matches played in March.

They also recently lost to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge, and should they start as sluggishly here, Penrith have the personnel to punish them accordingly.

Betting tip: Brisbane Broncos. 

First Try Scorer Prediction

Pressure? What pressure? We’re backing a player who seemingly welcomes the weight of expectation to be the first player across the tryline here.

Reece Walsh has scored a try in each of Brisbane's last four matches as a favourite and we’re backing him to do so again against Penrith on Friday night.

Betting tip: Reece Walsh. 

Over/Under Prediction

Each of the last eight matches between Brisbane and Penrith at Suncorp Stadium have gone under the total match points line.

Betting tip: Under (40.5) total match points. 

Line Prediction

Brisbane has failed to cover the line in eight of their last nine Friday night matches at Suncorp Stadium.

Betting tip: Penrith Panthers (+2.5) line. 

Broncos vs Panthers Anytime Try Scorer Betting Tips

Casey McLean

Casey McLean has scored at least one try in five of Penrith's last six matches outside of Sydney.

Kotoni Staggs

Kotoni Staggs has scored at least one try in each of Brisbane's last four matches as a favourite.

Isaiah Papali'i

Isaiah Papali'i has scored a try in four of his last five away appearances.

Gehamat Shibasaki

Gehamat Shibasaki has scored at least one try in four of his last five appearances.

Mitch Kenny

Mitch Kenny has scored a try in three of his last four appearances against Brisbane.

Broncos vs Panthers Teams

Brisbane Broncos Team List

1. Reece Walsh

2. Josiah Karapani

3. Kotoni Staggs

4. Gehamat Shibasaki

5. Deine Mariner

6. Ezra Mam

7. Adam Reynolds (c)

8. Corey Jensen

9. Cory Paix

10. Payne Haas

11. Jack Gosiewski

12. Jordan Riki

13. Patrick Carrigan

14. Ben Hunt

15. Xavier Willison

16. Ben Talty

17. Aublix Tawha

18. Grant Anderson

19. Jesse Arthars

Penrith Panthers Team List

1. Dylan Edwards 

2. Paul Alamoti

3. Izack Tago

4. Casey McLean

5. Brian To'o

6. Blaize Talagi

7. Nathan Cleary

8. Moses Leota 

9. Mitch Kenny

10. Lindsay Smith 

11. Scott Sorensen

12. Luke Garner 

13. Isaah Yeo (c)

14. Jack Cogger

15. Luron Patea

16. Isaiah Papali'i

17. Kalani Going

18. Thomas Jenkins

19. Freddy Lussick

Broncos vs Panthers Match Details

Date: Friday, March 6, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:00pm AEST.

Location: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.