Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold predicts Melbourne will want Payne Haas’ “head on a plate” when the sides clash on Friday night.
The NRL ladder-leading Storm have dominated the Broncos in recent times, winning 16 of their past 18 encounters and the past eight at Suncorp Stadium.
Experienced Brisbane second-rower Matt Gillett is likely to remain sidelined with a persistent lower back injury, but Seibold says the side’s young forwards are excited to “test themselves against the best” at Melbourne’s home away from home.
Haas joins Patrick Carrigan and David Fifita as one of three 19-year-olds in Brisbane’s starting pack and along with Matt Lodge, Seibold says he’s been their most consistent player this season.
“We’re all aware of the potential and ability Payne has,” the former Storm assistant coach said.
“I’d imagine that Payno will be Melbourne’s ‘head on a plate’ tomorrow night.
“They’ll probably target him, no doubt about that, and test him out as a young player.
“It’s not a drama for Payno; he’s a pretty understated sort of guy, looking forward to the challenge.”
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said their approach wouldn’t be quite so simple.
“We’re obviously very aware of Payne and what he can do but Seibs hasn’t been at our place for a fair while so he doesn’t know our systems now,” he said.
Brisbane have won six and drawn one of their past 10 games to revive a faltering season and sit in eighth place.
But Melbourne will pose their biggest challenge yet, losing just three games this season by a combined four points and boasting a better record at Suncorp Stadium (80 per cent) than their home ground (74.6 per cent).
Gillett did some light running at Red Hill before being reportedly ruled out in a fitness test behind closed doors at Suncorp Stadium later on Thursday, while Jesse Bromwich (sternum) is also in doubt for the visitors.
“He’s long odds,” Seibold said of Gillett.
“Certainly it’s not an extreme injury, just one that’s been a bit frustrating for him.”
Alex Glenn could shift from centre to the back row to cover, with 18-year-old Xavier Coates joining the backline.
However Seibold said promoting Joe Ofahengaue from the bench in a direct swap with Gillett was an option.
STATS THAT MATTER
* Brisbane have won just 13 of 46 games (28.3 per cent) against Melbourne – the only opponent they don’t have a winning record against.
* Storm have won 16 of the past 18 in Brisbane and have a better record at Suncorp Stadium than anywhere including their old and new home grounds.
* The Broncos have scored 15 points or more at Suncorp Stadium in 12 consecutive games and will aim to do so in 13 straight for just the second time in club history.