Thorn out, Johns in?

Brisbane will be without veteran forward Brad Thorn for tomorrow night's NRL match against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium. Thorn is out with a knee injury which is only expected to sideline him for one week.

His place on the bench has gone to bustling forward Sam Thaiday. Despite a dominant record against Souths over the years, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett says the Rabbitohs won't be taken lightly.

Newcastle halfback Andrew Johns has a fitness test today, hoping to be cleared to play in the NRL clash with St George Illawarra tomorrow night.

Johns, who missed last weekend's match against New Zealand Warriors due to neck pain, was yesterday cleared of any serious injury. Betting's been suspended until it's known whether Johns will play.