Broncos v Panthers preview - 2017 Round 9

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Brisbane Broncos v Penrith Panthers Thursday 7:50pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Penrith's season goes on the line as Brisbane look to consolidate their position in the Top Four

Despite the unconvincing nature of their victories in the past two weeks, the Broncos find themselves battling it out for a spot in the Top Four and also shoot for four straight victories this week when they take on a Panthers side desperate to halt a four game losing streak. Unlike Penrith, the Broncos are brimming with confidence having won two from two without halfback Ben Hunt. However, in saying this, the Brisbane side could very easily come into this one on the back of two straight defeats having waited until the dying minutes to claim victory in both games against the Titans and Rabbitohs. Halves Anthony Milford and Kodi Nikorima will need to take more responsibility in the coming weeks until Hunt returns as the pair are yet to register a try assist in the two weeks they have lined up together. What would have pleased coach Wayne Bennett in last week's win, however, was his side's completion rate, which stood at an impressive 83%, a dramatic improvement from the 63% against the Titans the week prior.

On the other hand, there has been very little to like from Penrith in the past four weeks. Most people tended to agree that the Mountain Men would be far too desperate for the Eels last week with their season slipping away, however, they produced yet another lackluster performance in attack, only managing two tries. It was only once they began to produce a few forced drop-outs that they built pressure and subsequently only fell 18-12 in the end despite appearing beaten after just 45 minutes. Of greater concern for Griffin, however, is slow starts. His side was guilty of just that against the Eels when Bryce Cartwright and James Tamou fumbled around in the in-goal area as the ball went dead off the kick-off. As a result, Parramatta gained the upper hand early and scored moments later off a Cartwright error. Trailing 12-0 at the break, Penrith supporters held onto the slim hope of a second half revival. Yet, that was quite quickly dashed when the Eels capitalised on some soft Penrith defence with Corey Norman scoring his second in the 43rd minute to well and truly place Penrith on the back foot. To their defence, Penrith did find themselves only six down when the full time siren sounded, yet, the Eels gifted the Panthers the opportunity to possibly even steal the two points with a flurry of errors. Unfortunately, Penrith did no better, with a 65% completion rate hindering their chances of claiming what would have been a valuable two competition points with the pre-season Premiership favourites now sitting in 14th spot on the ladder.

Last meeting: Round 20 2016 - Broncos 12 Panthers 31

If Penrith fans need a shot of confidence, look no further than last year's clinical 31-12 victory over Brisbane at Suncorp in Round 20.

Who to watch: In Hunt's absence, fullback Darius Boyd has been instrumental in sparking his side in attack. The representative fullback had two try assists in last week's 25-24 win over the Rabbitohs and his battle with Penrith fullback Matt Moylan shapes as a very interesting one with Representative Round only a week away.

For the Panthers, it would be a cruel joke if Griffin was to again drop rookie second-rower Corey Harawira-Naera. Harawira-Naera has well and truly put both Cartwright and James Fisher-Harris on notice with fine performances this season, including two tries, three line breaks and twelve tackles busts. All of this was achieved in just three games. Harawira-Naera's sharp running game is a key to Penrith's success and I will personally be stunned if Griffin drops him back to reserve grade over his under-performing regulars who have simply not displayed the same form this year, albeit with Cartwright and Fisher Harris' seasons both impacted by injury.

The favourite: The Broncos are firm favourites to continue Penrith's disastrous start to 2017.

My tip: I am waiting for the one game in which Penrith finally fulfill their potential. In order to even make the finals, the Panthers have to win around 10 of their 16 remaining games and with Representative Round just around the corner, going into the week off following five straight losses would be terrible for their morale. I have a feeling the Broncos are due for a loss after two relatively unconvincing last minute victories. But it all depends solely on whether the Panthers actually turn up. I simply cannot trust Penrith and while I would not at all be surprised if they somehow turn it all around this week, I have to opt with the safer choice with Brisbane's forward pack looking far better at the moment. Broncos by 8.

1. Darius Boyd 2. Corey Oates 3. James Roberts 4. Tautau Moga 5. Jordan Kahu 6. Anthony Milford 7. Kodi Nikorima 16. Herman Essese 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Adam Blair 14. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Josh Mcguire 11. Sam Thaiday 15. Joe Ofahengaue 8. Korbin Sims 17. David Mead

1. Matt Moylan 2. Waqa Blake 3. Dean Whare 4. Peta Hiku 5. Dallin Watene Zelezniak 6. Bryce Cartwright 7. Nathan Cleary 8. James Tamou 9. Peter Wallace 10. Regan Campbell-Gillard 11. Corey Harawira 12. Isaah Yeo 13. Trent Merrin 14. Tyrone Peachey 15. Leilani Latu 16. Tim Browne 20. Viliame Kikau

Referees: Gerard Sutton, Peter Gough; Sideline Officials: Michael Wise, Nick Beashel; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten;