Broncos training: Brisbane prepare for must-win Roosters clash

[Nergal]

 

WAYNE Bennett has made one change to his side for tomorrow’s clash with the Roosters, as the Broncos prepare to fight for a home final.

Young forward Patrick Mago will come onto the bench for Kotoni Staggs in Sydney to help Brisbane beef-up their forward pack for the all-important clash.

Brisbane need to win their next two games to give themselves a chance of securing a home final, with the Roosters their first major challenge.

Bennett said the team had enjoyed a relaxed preparation heading into the game but were not viewing the clash as the “ultimate test” in their run to the finals.

“We’re coming off a good win so it’s not hard to get them motivated to play or want to be there,” he said.

“ (Mago) is coming in. Kotoni won’t be coming.

“It’s a test, there’s no doubt about that. We need to be here in this game, to play this game.

“But it’s not the ultimate test.”

There were some concerns for playmaker Anthony Milford ahead of the game after he missed training on Wednesday with a virus, but he has recovered in time to make the trip to Sydney this afternoon.

It’s been a quiet week for the Brisbane playing group after a month of off-field distractions.

But they will have no doubt embraced the lead up to tomorrow’s clash in Sydney, in what is a key game for the Broncos.

The Broncos have not won a finals game outside of Suncorp Stadium since 2009, which makes their quest for a finish in sixth place or above all the more important.

They must win the next two games to give themselves a chance of moving up the ladder.