A coroner has found the Brisbane Broncos should have done more to teach Francis Molo how to avoid shoulder charging opponents after causing the death of James Ackerman in a 2015 Queensland Cup match.

Tensions between Cronulla and Brisbane have reached boiling point after the Sharks responded to Wayne Bennett's "false and misleading" criticism of their handling of Jack Bird.

Cooper Cronk's Australian and Queensland teammate Matt Gillett is adamant the race to sign the two-time Dally M Medal winner won't distract the World Cup holders' title defence in an opening-night grudge match against England.

Departing Brisbane chairman Dennis Watt says the time is right to step aside, despite the frustration of falling short of another NRL premiership.

Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday took to Instagram on Tuesday night to express his disappointment over his perceived poor treatment by the Kangaroos hierarchy.

Melbourne's class of 2017 is a step away from being confirmed as one of the game's greatest teams after reaching a second consecutive grand final.

• ANALYSIS

The window of opportunity against Melbourne doesn't present itself very often. When it does, it's only open for a limited period.

The Storm have earned a place in the NRL grand final with a win over Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park.

Wayne Bennett says he doesn't care if Craig Bellamy has the edge on him in the coaching ranks these days. Justin Hodges doesn't believe him for a second.

Off nights, musical chairs in the halves and which team has one hand on the keys to the grand final.

Craig Bellamy says he and Wayne Bennett have made peace after trading critical comments.

Oates will line up against Melbourne a week after being knocked unconscious, with Bennett saying nobody had more concern for his welfare than the club.

Ben Hunt's major concern was his friend and team-mate Corey Oates. But he can see why Penrith fans were left angered by the call to halt play when a try was begging in their elimination final.

The Broncos are increasingly confident Oates will be fit to take on Melbourne, with the club's medical staff saying all of the evidence suggested he had recovered despite the severity of the incident that left him unconscious.

Storm star Will Chambers refuses to let Brisbane Broncos claim underdog status but he would happily have AFL star Dusty Martin alongside him in the NRL.

Oates was knocked senseless on Friday night and didn't train on Monday pending an all-clear from medical staff.

Marshall says Kodi Nikorima deserves the number seven jersey back and he could serve the team in a better capacity from the interchange ranks.

Melbourne Storm will go into their preliminary final ready for anything as they look to secure a place in the NRL grand final.

If Brisbane were to upset the Storm, Hunt wants to make the most of a second chance after his infamous dropped kick-off against the Cowboys.