NRL Round 23 Preview - Broncos v Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium
 
Preview - The Broncos will be looking to bounce back from consecutive defeats when they take on the second placed Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. The Broncos are suddenly under pressure to confirm their spot in the Top 8, with the Tigers just one game behind them, after they coughed up a 30-18 lead to lose to the Cowboys 34-30 last weekend. The Rabbitohs went down narrowly 18-14 to their bitter rivals the Roosters in the Top of the Table clash, but remain in 2nd place as they look to secure a home semi-final in the first week of the playoffs. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report - The Broncos are looking a stronger side for this crucial match, with Jordan Kahu returning for Gehamat Shibasaki in the centres, Josh McGuire is back at lock, with both Matt Lodge and Tevita Pangai jnr named to start, and David Fifita and Joe Ofahengaue moving back to the bench. 
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - The Rabbitohs are without fullback Alex Johnston who will miss a few weeks with hamstring injury.  Dane Gagai moves to fullback, and Tyrell Fuimaono starting in the centres. 
 
Verdict – Broncos by 1-6 in a high scoring game

 I’m wary of the bounce-back factor of the Broncos, and the fact their finals hopes are suddenly up in the air gives me confidence they might ambush Souths here. Wayne Bennett could be gone at the end of the season, and I see during the week some his players have been rallying behind him. They have conceded over 30 points to both the Bulldogs and Cowboys, two sides that have struggled to score points all season. Souths are musingly practically all of their first choice backline, and the Broncos best games have come against Top 8 sides this year. Going for an upset and theBroncos to get home in a close one.