In about 15 minutes, the local clash between the Broncos and the Titans gets underway at Suncorp Stadium.

Brisbane’s desperate to dig themselves out of a form slump.

Jon Healy reports.

TRANSCRIPT

If the Broncos’ injury tally is anything to go by, the Titans must be odds-on favourites.

Jordan Kahu will move into the centres and Lachlan Maranta will return to the wing to cover for the injured Justin Hodges.

In Sydney, Souths are looking to extend the Tigers’ six-game losing streak tonight.

Despite Wests star Benji Marshall being moved to the bench, the Rabbitohs aren’t getting complacent.

Michael Maguire, South Sydney Coach: “It’s about looking after the ball and making sure we get our plays on and defend the way we can. So again, we’ve got certain standards as a team and if we do that well, then hopefully we’ll get the right results.”

In AFL Essendon’s Brent Stanton and Pat Ryder will return to the Bombers’ line-up against Brisbane on Saturday, but Courtenay Dempsey won’t be joining them; suspended for disciplinary reasons.

James Hird, Essendon Coach: “Courtenay was in the rehab group, he had a sore ankle and when people are in rehab group, we don’t want them going out late at night.”

And Collingwood midfielder, Luke Ball will make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction against the Cats tomorrow night.

Jon Healy QUT News.