Carroll, Tallis Likely To Rest
by
Friday June 13, 2003

After a State of Origin game hailed by many as one of the most brutal of all time, the Brisbane Broncos are set to rest captain Gorden Tallis and lock Tonie Carroll from Sunday's vital top of the table clash with Canberra Raiders at Canberra Stadium.

Tallis was a colossus during Queensland's courageous battle with the red hot Blues, and is likely to be rewarded with a breather after his biggest performance in two seasons.  Carroll suffered a heavy knock during the clash and is likely to be given the week off to recover from mild concussion and a head cut.

Michael De Vere, who caused a wave of complaints to the Nine Network after they showed New South Wales trainers struggle to staple a wound above his right eye, is expected to play, but may again don the head gear he wore several weeks ago after a similar injury against the Cowboys.

Corey Parker and Brad Meyers will likely earn a call up to the starting side in the second row, with Dane Carlaw pushing back to lock.  Barry Berrigan will go into the 17, with Scott Prince, Brett Seymour and Phil Lee favourites to earn a call up from the Toowoomba Clydesdales.  That decision will be made on Saturday.

The Broncos face a daunting task against the Raiders.  They have won just four and drawn one of their 12 visits to the national capital. However, they did win on their last meeting at the venue, a gripping 18-16 win inspired by veteran halfback Allan Langer last season.

Canberra, unaffected by State of Origin, and riding high on confidence, will be extremely difficult to beat and will be supremely confident of retaining their hold on top spot.  The challenge of facing the first of the big three - Brisbane, Sydney Roosters and Newcastle - will also inspire them.  The Raiders have had great wins over Penrith, New Zealand Warriors and the Bulldogs so far this season, but they are yet to face the three premiership favourites.

A win against the Broncos will help silence critics who still fail to rate Canberra as a genuine contender despite leading the competition at the half way mark - an honour that has gone to the Broncos for the previous three seasons.