Brisbane welcomed back their Origin stars and extended their season by another week when Justin Hodges scored in the dying moments of their clash against North Queensland last week.

The win sees Brisbane, mathematically at least, still able to make the eight but a loss in this or any of their remaining games, will be the end of their season.

Given that they’re yet to register a win over a side who are currently in the eight, and that they have to travel to Newcastle (currently 8th spot) with a poor away record, their season hangs by a thread.

What will give the Broncos hope is their recent strong record over the Knights, having won the past four encounters by comfortable margins on each occasion.

After a narrow loss to Melbourne, the Knights strung three wins on the trot before last week, going down to Sydney Roosters 28 – 12 at this venue.

The score line didn’t’ reflect the closeness of the game with Newcastle within a converted try of Sydney with only 10 minutes to play before two late tries to the visiting team blew the score out.

There were certainly enough positives for Newcastle to take out of that game and like Brisbane; they too must continue to win with the in-form Warriors also on 22 competition points.
It’s going to be hard for Brisbane to pick themselves up each week and the trip to Newcastle this year, where the Knights support a 6 – 3 winning record, has been a tough one for most teams, let along one trying to keep it’s head above water.

TIP: NEWCASTLE 1 – 12

Odds comparison by NRL Odds:

Newcastle Knights	1.47	1.48	1.49	1.48	1.47	1.48
Brisbane Broncos	2.70	2.65	2.65	2.65	2.70	2.70

Teams:

Newcastle Knights:
Darius Boyd, James McManus, Dane Gagai, Joey Leilua, Akuila Uate, Jarrod Mullen (capt), Tyrone Roberts, David Fa’alogo, Danny Buderus, Zane Tetevano, Robbie Rochow, Beau Scott, Jeremy Smith. Interchange: Craig Gower, Chris Houston, Neville Costigan, Adam Cuthbertson, Korbin Sims (one to be omitted).

Brisbane Broncos:
Josh Hoffman, Corey Oates, David Stagg, Justin Hodges, Lachlan Maranta, Scott Prince, Ben Hunt, Mitchell Dodds, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Sam Thaiday (capt), Matt Gillett, Corey Parker. Interchange: Peter Wallace, Dunamis Lui, Lama Tasi, Nick Slyney.

Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris James.