Broncos v Dragons preview

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Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra Dragons Friday 7:55pm at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal

Dragons begin life without Mary against bumbling Broncos

Another week has gone by and still the Broncos seem lost for answers. Yet again, Brisbane put in a solid first-half performance and this time around they even led the Raiders 8-6. But a lack of resilience proved costly again as Canberra raced in 30 unanswered points in the second half to run out dominant winners.

Unfortunately, the news doesn't get any better for Brisbane this week. They have lost both Payne Haas (suspension) and Tom Flegler (shoulder) up front while Jake Turpin is also sidelined (broken hand). In an unforced change Brodie Croft has been dropped and replaced by Anthony Milford.

The only way the Broncos can win this game is if they are given a full licence to throw caution to the wind and start to enjoy playing footy but that would be a tough job with confidence at an all-time low. 

The only issue for the Dragons this week is a drop-off after last week's emotional win. The 14-12 upset victory over Parramatta would have been frustrating in some respects for Dragons fans.

While the team had shown promise in defeat in recent weeks, they were unable to tough it out against both Souths and the Roosters. Last Friday against the Eels though the Red V rallied for departing coach Paul McGregor.

There was a clear source of inspiration there behind one of their best performances. The challenge will be backing it up against a struggling team that doesn't present the same challenge.

The Dragons are boosted by the return of Paul Vaughan which is another blow to Brisbane's losses up front.

Last meeting: Round 3 2019 - Broncos 24 Dragons 25

Who to watch: The match-up between Anthony Milford and Corey Norman will be interesting. Both have been heavily criticised this year for their lack of consistent output despite being on big-money deals.

Milford is symptomatic of Brisbane's side as a whole, electric when he puts his mind to it but drifting in and out of games when the going gets tough along with the rest of his teammates. He gets the chance to redeem himself this week in place of Croft after returning from a hamstring injury.

Norman hasn't had enough of an impact and could consider himself somewhat fortunate to have retained his spot while Tristan Sailor was left off the bench. Norman's kicking game against Parramatta was strong early as he turned their outside backs around. More involvement in the side's direction in attack should be expected given his experience alongside the still-developing Adam Clune. 

The favourite: The Dragons are well-backed to win here.

My tip: Saints won't turn up with the same energy or intent as last week and I dare say this one will be locked up by the break but once again Brisbane will fall apart in the second half. Dragons by 18. 

1. Darius Boyd 2. Richard Kennar 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Jordan Kahu 5. Herbie Farnworth 6. Anthony Milford 7. Tom Dearden 8. Joe Ofahengaue 9. Issac Luke 10. Rhys Kennedy 11. David Fifita 12. Ben Te'o 13. Patrick Carrigan 14. Cory Paix 15. Jordan Riki 16. Ethan Bullemor 17. Jamil Hopoate

1. Matthew Dufty 2. Jordan Pereira 3. Euan Aitken 4. Zac Lomax 5. Mikaele Ravalawa 6. Corey Norman 7. Adam Clune 8. Blake Lawrie 9. Ben Hunt 10. Josh Kerr 11. Tyson Frizell 14. Jacob Host 13. Cameron McInnes 15. Kaide Ellis 16. Korbin Sims 17. Paul Vaughan 18. Trent Merrin

Referees: Henry Perenara; Sideline Officials: Matt Noyen, Jon Stone; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Bryan Norrie;