It doesn't seem that long ago that the Broncos were given little or no chance of playing finals football.
But here we are six weeks out from the play-offs and they're in the top eight.
While they can thank the Knights and Sharks for alarming form slumps, the Broncos are only worrying about what's in front of them each week and quietly taking care of business.
The big test comes on Friday night against the competition leaders, who will be itching to get last week's home loss to Manly out of their system.
Match: Broncos v Storm
Round 20 -
home Team
Broncos
10th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
The Rundown
Team news
Broncos: Origin back-rower Matt Gillett has been ruled out after failing to recover from a lower back injury. Alex Glenn shifts from centre to back row and Xavier Coates comes into the centres. Joe Ofahengaue will come from the bench. Thomas Flegler (suspension) is back while Tevita Pangai jnr will miss the blockbuster clash through suspension. Halfback Tom Dearden (ankle) was named among the reserves on Tuesday but he dropped out on Thursday along with Gillett. The last two men omitted on Friday night were Shaun Fensom and Herbie Farnworth.
Storm: Suliasi Vunivalu returns as the starting winger in place of Sandor Earl, who drops to the reserves. That's the only alteration to the 17-man side beaten 11-10 by Manly in extra time in round 19. Marion Seve and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui were omitted 24 hours before kick-off. Tui Kamikamica and Sandor Earl were the last two to drop out an hour before game time
Match: Broncos v Storm
Round 20 -
home Team
Broncos
away Team
Storm
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Anthony MilfordFullback for Storm is number 1 Jahrome Hughes
-
Winger for Broncos is number 2 Corey OatesWinger for Storm is number 2 Suliasi Vunivalu
-
Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni StaggsCentre for Storm is number 3 Will Chambers
-
Centre for Broncos is number 20 Xavier CoatesCentre for Storm is number 4 Justin Olam
-
Winger for Broncos is number 5 Jamayne IsaakoWinger for Storm is number 5 Josh Addo-Carr
-
Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Darius BoydFive-Eighth for Storm is number 6 Cameron Munster
-
Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Jake TurpinHalfback for Storm is number 7 Brodie Croft
Forwards
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Prop for Broncos is number 8 Matthew LodgeProp for Storm is number 8 Jesse Bromwich
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Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Andrew McCulloughHooker for Storm is number 9 Cameron Smith
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Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne HaasProp for Storm is number 10 Nelson Asofa-Solomona
-
2nd Row for Broncos is number 4 Alex Glenn2nd Row for Storm is number 11 Felise Kaufusi
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2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 David Fifita2nd Row for Storm is number 12 Kenneath Bromwich
-
Lock for Broncos is number 13 Thomas FleglerLock for Storm is number 13 Dale Finucane
Interchange
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 14 James SegeyaroInterchange for Storm is number 14 Brandon Smith
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Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Joe OfahengaueInterchange for Storm is number 15 Christian Welch
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Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Rhys KennedyInterchange for Storm is number 16 Joe Stimson
-
Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Patrick CarriganInterchange for Storm is number 17 Ryan Papenhuyzen
Match Officials
- Referee: Gerard Sutton
- Referee: Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamski
- Touch Judge: Kasey Badger
- Touch Judge: Nick Beashel
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Key match-up
Payne Haas has been enormous for Brisbane and the NSW representative faces a big challenge in Melbourne enforcer Jesse Bromwich. The Broncos need to control the middle to win the match, and Haas will no doubt play a key role if they do.
For the Broncos to win
It's easier said than done but they have to take a leaf out of Manly's book and put in an 80-minute defensive effort if the Broncos are going to spring an upset. They clocked off a bit in the second half last week against the Titans and can't afford a repeat on Friday. The in-form Brisbane pack has to lead the way from start to finish.
For the Storm to win
Watching Melbourne lose to Manly last week was like watching them lose to a version of themselves. It's so rare to see the Storm fail to rattle and wear down their opponents and it's unlikely Craig Bellamy got much sleep that night. They have to be ready for an early onslaught from the Broncos, while Cam Munster needs to bounce back after an up-and-down performance last week.
Brett Kimmorley says
We don’t see the Storm lose too many games back-to-back. This will be a big test for the Broncos – it’s not the right time to be playing Melbourne. The forward battle should be really good. The pressure will be put onto Jake Turpin and Anthony Milford by the Storm. I just think there will be a bit too much coming from the Melbourne Storm. Storm by 2
Stat Attack
No other Broncos forward comes close to Tevita Pangai's total of 45 offloads for the season so with the skilful big man suspended for a week someone will have to pick up the slack. The home side will need to play some second-phase footy to unsettle the rigid Storm defence and that's where Pangai's offloading skills have been such a weapon.
And another thing ...
The Broncos got the better of the Storm to win the 2006 grand final 15-8. The Broncos led 8-4 at half-time before the Storm levelled at 8-all. Corey Parker broke the deadlock with a penalty goal before the Broncos set up a try for Brent Tate that went through seven sets of hands. Parker missed the sideline conversion with 17 minutes remaining but a Darren Lockyer field goal with seven minutes to play sealed victory. The Broncos haven't won a premiership since.
