Do-or-die clash as the Dragons tackle the Broncos in Brisbane.
Brisbane Broncos v St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium, Friday 7.45pm
Head to Head: Broncos 18 Dragons 13
Last clash: Round 4 2014 - Broncos 36 bt Dragons 20 at WIN Stadium
Ladbrokes: Broncos $1.42 Dragons $2.95
Betfair: Broncos $1.49 Dragons $3
Michael Chammas writes: The winner will keep their finals dream alive, the loser can start planning for 2015. If Josh Dugan and Benji Marshall overcome respective ankle injuries, the Dragons are capable of springing an upset. Their backline is in red hot form.
Tip: Dragons by 2
AAP writes: The equation is simple for both teams - win and you're in. Well, for another week at least. The top eight door will all but slam shut on the loser of this game, setting the stage for an epic tussle between two rejuvenated teams. Brisbane are still buzzing from a last round 48-6 rout of Newcastle. The Dragons are ready to breath fire again after burning the Gold Coast 34-6 at home. Something has to give - and Brisbane will be backing themselves on Friday night. The Broncos have won the last seven clashes with the Dragons, who have not claimed victory at Suncorp Stadium since 2009.
Key: The halves. Both boast a pairing that seem like an odd couple on paper but still they click. How well the Dragons' Gareth Widdop-Benji Marshall and Brisbane's Ben Barba-Ben Hunt combinations shine on the night will go a long way to deciding a winner.
Evening sports fans and welcome to tonight's coverage of Brisbane v St George Illawarra from Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
It's do or die tonight - the loser can start planning their end-of-season holiday.
Both teams are on 26 points and just outside the top eight. It'll take at least 30 points to get a start in the eight this year, so the loser just won't get there.
There should be a bumper crowd on hand for this one.
Justin Hodges was outstanding at fullback last weekend as the Broncos belted the Knights, so it'll be interesting to see if he can back it up tonight.
It's a game of fullbacks tonight. Former Brisbane fullback Ben Barba will start in the No.6 jumper again, while another former Brisbane fullback, Gerard Beale, gets a shot at the No.1 jersey for the Dragons.
And another former No.1, Josh Dugan, has been in good form for the Dragons in the centres.
Kick-off is not far away.
I take it back. As only they can, Channel 9 have trotted out some "pre-game entertainment". Why I have no idea. Sigh.
We may get a start before 8pm if we're lucky.
Lots of money coming late for the Broncos, and not surprisingly, they've won their past 7 matches against the Dragons and 9 of the past 10.
South Sydney coach Michael Maguire faces problem of too many hot halves with John Sutton's return @MCarayannis http://t.co/WnFPrW3TK9 — LeagueHQ (@LeagueHQ1) August 29, 2014
Any chance we might kick off the footy? #NRLBriSgi — Jimmy Smith (@ThatJimmySmith) August 29, 2014
Brett Morris a bit dusty early. Looks like he's copped a knock in the "lower abdominal region". Deep breaths.
Crowd looks to be more than 30,000 and both sides, not surprisingly, look up for it. Should be a good one.
No score early as the sides trade sets.
Penalty Dragons as they work it off their line. They'll get the first chance to attack.
And we're finally under way ...