Brisbane’s World Club Series showdown with Wigan has been labelled a grudge match by second-rower Alex Glenn, who is predicting fireworks between the two teams.
The two sides have a colourful history when it comes to these fixtures, with captaincy candidate Corey Parker fondly recalling a spiteful clash in 1992, won 22-8 by Brisbane, in which former Broncos firebrand Andrew Gee sparked all-in brawls in both halves.
“I’m good mates with Gee Gee, and that game in particular has been spoken about around the traps,” Parker recalled ahead of Sunday morning’s (AEDT) match.
Glenn, who at 26 is too young to remember the early 1990s fixtures, said the Broncos were preparing for a fiery encounter.
“It’s going to be a grudge match out there,” Glenn, who is nursing a groin strain but insists he is in no doubt to take the field, told AAP.
“It’s going to be a battle of the packs. They’re a very aggressive team.
“And that’s what you want from your forward pack. It’s going to be a test for ours.
“We know it’s going to be tough.
“We’ve got to make sure we grit our teeth and are all working for each other out there.”
Wigan are no strangers to on-field explosions – last year’s Super League grand final was marred by Warriors prop Ben Flower’s third minute send off for twice punching former NRL star Lance Hohaia.
Flower’s actions earned a six-month ban, meaning he will not be taking part in the match at DW Stadium.
When asked if fans could expect a return of the Gee-inspired brawls, Glenn said anything was possible.
“Being in this sport, it’s an aggressive sport. Sometimes the switch does flick,” he said.
“But only time can tell.”
Parker said the Broncos were preparing for a hostile environment to be created by a 15,000-strong crowd, and he was expecting a physical confrontation when the two packs collide.
“I think all the British forwards are physical bunch,” he said.
“We’ve got some pretty handy forwards ourselves. We’ll be looking for a bit of a challenge there.
“They’re a class outfit. You just have to look at the national side, they’ve got a sprinkling all through there.”
Coach Wayne Bennett will be without a number of first-choice options like back-rower Matt Gillett and centres Jack Reed and Dale Copley, all of whom are recovering from off-season surgery.
