Broncos v Panthers preview

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After a string of disappointing losses, Penrith and Brisbane bounced back to record crucial wins in Round 19. Who will build upon their last start victory?

Having suffered two consecutive heavy defeats, last week's 30-10 win over the Rabbitohs secured Brisbane's spot in the Top 8 and now allows for a late surge towards a Top 4 spot. It's quite hard to pinpoint where exactly Brisbane's drop in form coalesced from when comparing the statistics between their victory over Souths and 48-6 thumping at the hands of Melbourne. In both games the Broncos completed at 78% whilst the differences between errors (9 and 8) and missed tackles (21 and 28) don't differ greatly. The quality in opposition, however, contrasted. The Rabbitohs gifted the Broncos countless opportunities, amassing a monumental 18 errors. The Storm, on the other hand, only made 4. Brisbane will be hoping to display similar resolve in defence this weekend, with their losses to the Bulldogs and Storm displaying uncharacteristically sloppy defensive efforts from Wayne Bennett's men. And with Penrith possessing attacking and offloading threats across the park, defence will be key on Friday night. Before last year's last gasp 8-5 victory, Penrith and Brisbane hadn't met at Suncorp Stadium since 2012, with Penrith's last victory at Suncorp taking place in 2011.

Penrith have been similarly disappointing the past month, and their performance against Parramatta was indicative of their season on a whole. 2016 has shown great promise at times, but defensive frailties and general inexperience has often cost Penrith in tight games. Their past two encounters prior to the Western Sydney derby were particularly concerning. Penrith were heavily fancied to account for both the Tigers and Cronulla, yet contributed what were arguably two of their worst performances of the year. Penrith's defence has seemed abhorrent in patches, with their effort against the Tigers an especially awful sight to see for a Penrith fan. Penrith's opening half against Parramatta had fans worried with the home side conceding just too easy tries, despite seemingly having so much to play for. Yet, Anthony Griffin should really be showing his side replays of their 2nd half performance. Not of their attacking brilliance, but rather their commitment in defence. With Parramatta peppering their line late the Panthers seemed to rally together, denying the Eels scoring in the entire second forty, bundling the Eels into touch on multiple occasions. Against a hungry Brisbane side back at Suncorp Penrith will need to show the same defensive solidarity if they are any hope.

Last meeting: Round 3 2016 - Panthers 23 Broncos 22

Penrith recorded a come from behind 23-22 victory over Brisbane at Pepper Stadium in Round 3 earlier this year.

Who to watch: If Brisbane win this one, look for their forward pack to stand up. Yet, the class of Darius Boyd at the back may just ice the victory. Having set up 10 tries this season, 2 of which came last weekend against South Sydney, Boyd has been rejuvenated in 2016. His battle with Matt Moylan is one that may decide this one.

For the Panthers, similarly they need their forwards to aim up to the Broncos. Penrith's relatively unsung forward pack was performing to a high standard at the beginning of the year, matching the likes of the Cowboys and Sharks. However, since then, Penrith's big boppers have suffered a slight dip in form and struggled to gain the upper hand. Trent Merrin, however, has been a consistent performer up front. Merrin has averaged running 147 metres a game, whilst also making 34 tackles and his hard-running style up front will be key for Penrith on Friday night. Similarly, Josh Mansour's tackle breaking abilities on the wing will be crucial in starting Penrith's set. Mansour has been one of the form wingers of the 2016 season, capping off last week's man of the match performance against Parramatta with 10 tackle busts, 229 running metres, 2 line breaks and a try.

The favourite: Given their home ground advantage and win over South Sydney, the Broncos are heavy favourites.

My tip: As much as I would love to see the Panthers get up here, the superior experience of the Broncos should get them home in a tight, see-sawing contest. Brisbane by 8.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 11. Alex Glenn 4. James Roberts 5. Lachlan Maranta 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 14. Jarrod Wallace 10. Adam Blair 12. Sam Thaiday 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Tom Opacic 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Jai Arrow 18. Jo Ofanhengaue

1. Matt Moylan 2. Josh Mansour 3. Waqa Blake 4. Tyrone Peachey 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Leilani Latu 9. Peter Wallace 14. Suaia Matagi 11. Isaah Yeo 12. James Fisher-Harris 13. Trent Merrin
Interchange: 15. Sitaleki Akauola 16. Chris Grevsmuhl 17. Zak Hardaker 17. Moses Leota

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Matt Noyen; Sideline Officials: Nick Beashel, Chris Butler; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten