Dragons v Broncos preview

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Brisbane Broncos
Jubilee Oval - Friday 7:35pm

Will the Saints be marching at Kogarah or can Bennett's Broncos make it six in a row.

Having won their past four matches, the Dragons have found their best form since the glory of the Wayne Bennett era. Producing the best defensive effort in the league, the Dragons put on five tries against the high-flying Bulldogs last Sunday in a fantastic display. While the losses of Jason Nightingale and Tyson Frizell through injury and suspension respectively will hurt the Dragons chances on Friday night, the stellar game by late replacement Peter Mata'utia and Will Matthews playing his first game of the season should ensure the Dragons remain a strong chance to give their fans a reason to sing "When The Saints Go Marching In" at the end of 80 minutes.

While critics of the Broncos were quick to attack after their first round loss to South Sydney, since that night, Brisbane have displayed their best start to a season since 2012, winning five straight matches including last week's golden point thriller over the Roosters. With Justin Hodges returning from injury, the Broncos captain will take his place in the centres forcing Dale Copley to the wing. Corey Oates will revert back to the bench in place of the suspended Jarrod Wallace where he will likely spend time in the second row. After debuting back in 2009, Alex Glenn will play his 150th game for Brisbane, while Jack Reed will play his 100th game after debuting in 2011.

Last meeting: Round 25 2014 - Brisbane Broncos 30 St. George Illawarra Dragons 22

Who to watch: His taste in hairstyles may leave much to be desired, but on the field Jack de Belin has been fantastic for Paul McGregor so far this season. Running for 160 metres last week, the Cootamundra junior has averaged just under 40 tackles a game in 2015, including several try savers last week against Canterbury. With the representative weekend only a few weeks away, Country coach Trent Barrett will be watching de Belin closely and if he is able to continue his strong start to the season against Brisbane he may well earn his first jersey for Country.

Continuing on from his breakout year in the NRL, Broncos halfback Ben Hunt delivered the match winner against the Roosters with a spectacular try. After debuting for Australia off the bench in last year's Four Nations, Hunt will have his eyes firmly on Daly Cherry-Evans' Maroons jersey for the series opener. If Hunt can take Brisbane to their first win at Kogarah since 1998, Queensland coach Mal Meninga will have a mighty dilemma on his hands given the outstanding form shown by the inaugural Under 20s Player of the year.

The favourite: With Wayne Bennett back at the helm of Brisbane, Broncos supporters will have good reason to feel optimistic about extending their winning streak to six in a row.

My tip: In front of a packed out Kogarah Oval, the Dragons will rise to the occasion with a big win. Dragons by 18.

1. Josh Dugan 2. Eto Nabuli 3. Euan Aitken 4. Dylan Farrell 5. Peter Mata'utia 6. Gareth Widdop 7. Benji Marshall 8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Mitch Rein 10. Ben Creagh 11. Will Matthews 12. Joel Thompson 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 14. George Rose 15. Jack de Belin 16. Jake Marketo 17. Heath L'Estrange

1. Lachlan Maranta 2. Dale Copley 3. Jack Reed 4. Justin Hodges 5. Daniel Vidot 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Sam Thaiday 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Corey Oates 15. Mitch Garbutt 16. Mitchell Dodds 17. Kodi Nikorima

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Gavin Morris; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Brett Suttor; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Phillips;

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