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Top four hopefuls face off in crucial contest
Bouncing back to their best against the Eels last Friday, the Brisbane Broncos will be looking to continue their resurgence against the unpredictable Bulldogs. Currently sitting four points adrift of their fourth place opponents, the Broncos face a must-win task if they are to guarantee themselves a second finals appearance. After starring with two tries on debut last week, Jonus Pearson has been replaced by the returning Jordan Kahu on the wing, however Pearson may find himself back in the squad should coach Wayne Bennett opt to use Kahu in the centres at the expense of Tom Opacic. While their recent performances against Canterbury have been met with disappointment, the Broncos hold a strong record with four wins from the past six clashes.
Finding a way to win against Manly last Thursday, the Bulldogs will be hopeful of another strong performance as they look to secure their first top four finish since 2012. Having managed to pull off a remarkable try in extra time last week, coach Des Hasler will be imploring his side to start on the front foot against the Broncos in order to physically dominate their opponents and limit the room Anthony Milford has to run. Greg Eastwood will return in the second row after missing the past fortnight, while impressive centre Kerrod Holland has been named on an extended bench. Producing their most emphatic performance of the year against Brisbane earlier in the season, the Bulldogs will have high hopes of a similar effort on Thursday, in order to give themselves the best possible platform to launch a premiership assault.
Last meeting: Round 16 2016 - Bulldogs 40 Broncos 14
Who to watch: Having struggled with his personal form during the representative period, Broncos playmaker Anthony Milford recaptured his individual brilliance against the Eels with a series of dazzling runs. With his confidence renewed and the Broncos rediscovering their attacking flair, the energetic playmaker faces a tantalising duel opposite Josh Reynolds that shape as pivotal to determining the winner. Assured of a place in the finals, Milford will be looking to help the Broncos reassert their standing as premiership threats leading into September.
He may not play a great deal of minutes, but when he's on the field there are few forwards that make an impact quite like Sam Kasiano. With size and power making him an imposing figure to tackle, the New Zealand and Samoan international shapes as a game-breaking player for the Bulldogs, as they look to secure a top four finish with a win on Thursday. With the Broncos fielding a largely inexperienced bench, the destructive running of Kasiano may be the trump card needed to decide an engrossing contest.
The favourite: Having rediscovered their attacking spark against the Eels, the Broncos are expected to continue their resurgence on Thursday.
My tip: If Milford has room to run, the Broncos should win. If the Canterbury forwards dominate, the Bulldogs will get the two points. In a toss of the coin, look for the Bulldogs tenacity to prevail. Bulldogs by 2.
1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. Tom Opacic 4. James Roberts 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Ben Hunt 8. Josh McGuire 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 11. Sam Thaiday 12. Matt Gillett 13. Corey Parker
Interchange: 14. Jarrod Wallace 15. Tevita Pangai Junior 16. Jai Arrow 17. Alex Glenn
1. William Hopoate 2. Brett Morris 3. Josh Morris 4. Curtis Rona 21. Kerrod Holland 6. Josh Reynolds 7. Moses Mbye 8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. James Graham 11. Josh Jackson 12. Greg Eastwood 13. David Klemmer
Interchange: 14. Sam Kasiano 15. Tim Browne 16. Tony Williams 17. Raymond Faitala-Mariner
Referees: Gerard Sutton, Chris Butler; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Rohan Best; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Steve Chiddy