The Broncos will go in as hot favourites against the injury-ravaged Rabbitohs but they’ll need to lift their intensity considerably after they were ambushed by the Eels on their home deck in Round 21.

That defeat dropped the Broncos from fifth to sixth on the ladder and took their record at Suncorp Stadium to 7-4 for the season with bumper home games against the Dolphins and Storm still to come after Souths this weekend.

With all their big guns available and Origin in the rearview mirror the Broncos should be ready to power into September at full throttle but they will need to keep their guard up against a gutsy Souths outfit coached by the man who led Brisbane to six premierships.

The old master Wayne Bennett would love nothing better than to ride into Brisbane and upset Michael Maguire’s apple cart with an unexpected win.

They may be down on troops and hovering dangerously close to Bennett’s first ever wooden spoon as a coach but the Bunnies showed against the Sharks that they won’t just lie down and surrender.

Team News

Broncos: Selwyn Cobbo has been recalled for his first game since Round 18 while Deine Mariner comes in on other wing with Jesse Arthars and Josiah Karapani making way. The forward pack and bench remain unchanged. 

Rabbitohs: Skipper Jack Wighton was found guilty of a Grade 2 Shoulder Charge at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night and suspended for four matches so a reshuffle will be needed. Bayleigh Bentley-Hape returns from a groin injury on the wing while halfback Jamie Humphreys (concussion) is also back on deck. The shoulder injury to Tavita Tatola sees Jai Arrow move to prop, Jacob Host into the second row and Thomas Fletcher join the bench on NRL debut. Lewis Dodd and Tyrone Munro have dropped to the reserves.

Stat Attack

Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds requires four points to reach 2500 career points.
The Rabbitohs have conceded 136 points in four consecutive losses at Suncorp Stadium.
Broncos interchange Billy Walters is on a three-game tryscoring run.
Wayne Bennett has won 11 of his last 12 games against Michael Maguire-coached teams.
Hooker Ben Hunt will make his 200th appearance for the Broncos.

Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.