Broncos flex muscles in war over schedule

The Brisbane Broncos have applied the heat to NRL administrators, claiming as premiers they deserve the right to open the 2007 season ahead of competition newcomers the Gold Coast Titans.

The Titans have requested an historic debut home match at Suncorp Stadium against St George Illawarra on the same weekend Brisbane takes on North Queensland at the same venue. The Broncos claim they'll lose $250,000 in lost revenue if the Titans are scheduled to play on Friday night in the season-opener.

Gold Coast boss Michael Searle says he's just happy the Titans are competing in the NRL and doesn't care when they play while Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr is supporting the Broncos, saying he'd be astounded if Brisbane's request is rejected.