The Broncos coach almost cracked a smile when talking to the media on the eve of Eels clash.

Thursday night's clash in Brisbane between the Broncos and Parramatta stands to be a spicy affair, with Josh McGuire not changing his aggressive approach as a top-two spot beckons.

The Broncos continued their quality run with a predictable 24-12 win at Suncorp Stadium that leaves the Dragons on the outside looking in once again.

Wayne Bennett already has his name written in Dragons folklore. Now he stands to preside over the team that puts an end to a depleted St George Illawarra's hopes of scrambling into the top eight.

Ben Hunt has sent a scare through the Brisbane camp after suffering an arm injury at training ahead of Friday night's NRL clash against his future club St George Illawarra.

• EXCLUSIVE

'I'm coming home. I never wanted to leave the place, and I've tried several times to get back and now I've got my chance.'

Furious Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has taken aim at Broncos coach Wayne Bennett.

As usual, player contracts have managed to overshadow a match. But history will be made for both teams at Suncorp Stadium, while defeat could leave both vulnerable in the race for the finals.

The Broncos aren't concerned by their lack of power up front, with captain Darius Boyd saying they were trying to play bigger rivals to a standstill in the latter stages of the NRL season.

That's how you erase a last-round defeat. Brisbane said they would raise the intensity and the Titans just happened to be in their way, finding themselves on the end of a flogging at Robina.

The Brisbane coach says it's time to step it up a notch as desperate teams fight for their place in the NRL post-season.

With clubs like this weekend's opponent Brisbane starting to circle, the Titans most show they can retain rising stars like boom half Ash Taylor. Brisbane, meanwhile, need a win to maintain their fight for the top four.

Brenton Lawrence will finish his NRL career where it started as St George Illawarra make a play for Brisbane forward Adam Blair.

​Ben Hunt is set to start at hooker for the first time since 2010 as Brisbane continue their run to the NRL finals without the injured Andrew McCullough.

Michael Jennings has accused Brisbane's Josh McGuire of a "low act" in stomping on the ankle of Parramatta captain Tim Mannah while also taking aim at fellow Broncos forward Adam Blair for a lunge at this legs that could have caused him a serious injury.

Brisbane's NRL premiership hopes have been dealt a severe blow, with hooker Andrew McCullough ruled out for the season with a knee injury.

When Corey Norman was asked a couple of weeks ago whether Parramatta could win the competition he replied in the affirmative, saying they had to believe it was not beyond them.

The Brisbane Broncos have clarified claims by Wayne Bennett that James Roberts had overcome drug use problems, admitting the master coach was referring to prescription drugs.

A plan for players to stage a public demonstration of solidarity during this weekend's round of NRL matches has hit a stumbling block.