VENUE & TIME: Suncorp Stadium, Friday 5 September, 7.35pm AEST
COVERAGE: Channel 9
LAST TIME: Brisbane Broncos 34-22 Newcastle Knights, at Energy Australia Stadium, round 5, 2008.
WALKING WOUNDED: The Broncos will be boosted by the return of star rake Michael Ennis who displaces PJ Marsh in the No.9 jersey. The Knights received a boost of their own on Wednesday night when hooker Matt Hilder was found not guilty of a contrary-conduct-spitting charge stemming from his side's upset victory over the Storm last start. Prop Daniel Tolar has succumbed to a back injury and the Knights will again have to do it without veteran Danny Buderus who suffered a season-ending-biceps injury in round 24.
FORM: The Broncos were far from impressive on the way to a 36-22 defeat of wooden-spoon contenders the Bulldogs last weekend but did enough to stay within a point of the Roosters and remain a chance of a top-four spot. Wayne Bennett's men need to dispose of the Knights and rely on the Dragons to beat the Roosters in order to sneak into fourth position, but they will need a vastly improved effort to overcome a Newcastle line-up fighting for its own post-season life. The Knights have momentum on their side after their stirring upset win over the defending premiers despite the absence of their injured skipper, but they need to do it again to assure themselves of a playoff berth in 2008.
WHO'S HOT: Darren Lockyer may not be the constant threat he once was but he continues to pop up just when the Broncos need him. He was once again among his side's best against the Bulldogs along with Kangaroos centre Justin Hodges who is approaching top gear after a suspension riddled second half of the campaign. Kurt Gidley continued his stellar form this season against the Storm and was the pick of an impressive bunch for the Novocastrians. The entire forward pack deserves full credit for their efforts against the defending premiers.
WE THINK: Time to pull out that trusty 10-cent piece again. The Broncos have the advantage of playing at home and a possess a host of players who understand what it takes to win the big games, but their less seasoned opponents play a tough and uncompromising brand of footy that can fluster any side in the competition. Tough to pick with so much on the line but look for the Broncos to make a statement on the eve of the finals series. Brisbane by 12.
TEAMS:
Broncos: 1. Karmichael Hunt, 2. Darius Boyd, 3. Joel Moon, 4. Justin Hodges, 5. Denan Kemp, 6. Darren Lockyer (c), 7. Peter Wallace, 8. Ben Hannant, 9. Michael Ennis, 10. Joel Clinton, 11. Corey Parker, 12. Sam Thaiday, 13. Tonie Carroll
Interchange: 14. David Stagg, 15. Ashton Sims, 16. Greg Eastwood, 17. Nick Kenny
Knights: 1. Kurt Gidley (c), 2. James McManus, 3. Junior Sau, 4. Adam MacDougall, 5. Wes Naiqama, 6. Jarrod Mullen, 7. Scott Dureau, 8. Matt White, 14. Matt Hilder, 10. Ben Cross, 11. Steve Simpson, 12. Cory Paterson, 13. Mark Taufua
Interchange: 15. Jesse Royal, 16. Chris Bailey, 17. Danny Wicks, 18. Chris Houston, 19. Richie Fa'aoso