Brisbane must overcome their worst record against a rival club on Friday night if they are to celebrate axed coach Anthony Griffin’s 100th game in charge and make the NRL finals.
The Broncos have scored just two wins in 16 matches against bogey side Melbourne since upsetting the Storm in the 2006 decider.
Co-captain Corey Parker couldn’t put a finger on why the Storm have such a stranglehold on his side but insisted they were up for the “big challenge” at AAMI Park.
Still alive after scoring must-win victories over Newcastle and St George Illawarra, Parker was pleased with the momentum and form they take to Melbourne, where they’ve won only once in the past eight seasons.
“All we have to worry about is winning,” he said. “The last two weeks we’ve won those games in a fashion we’re satisfied with.
“In saying that, no disrespect to those teams, playing Melbourne in Melbourne is a totally different kettle of fish.”
Making it harder to bust their hoodoo, Test back-rower Sam Thaiday has been charged with dangerous contact against the Dragons.
While victory will ensure a play-off berth, and possibly knock the Storm out of the top eight, a loss is likely to end eighth-placed Brisbane’s season.
Added to the Broncos’ motivation is sending the departing Griffin out on the right note.
Cut in favour of Wayne Bennett for 2015, the understated coach has kept a steely focus on making the finals.
“He doesn’t give much away,” Parker said. “That’s one of his greatest qualities.
“He’s always kept his eye on the prize in terms of putting his best foot forward for the club and this is his 100th game for the club.
“That’s a big milestone for himself personally so it would be nice to give him a win.”
Parker said no team stood out as premiership favourites and felt Brisbane could make an impact if they snuck into the top eight.
“Once the semi-finals come around it’s a whole new ball-game,” he said.
“At the moment Manly are number one and have been really consistent through the year but I believe any team can go on with it.”
