Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has seen first hand how much NRL games against the Broncos mean for Melbourne mentor Craig Bellamy.
If there’s one thing Anthony Seibold knows about Craig Bellamy, it’s that the Melbourne Storm coach loves an NRL match against Brisbane.
Seibold was an assistant to Bellamy – the man he describes as the best coach he’s ever worked with – during his apprenticeship before eventually going on to become a head coach himself.
As Brisbane prepare to face the table-topping Storm at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, the Broncos coach is only too aware of how well-prepared their opponent will be.
“I’m not sure (why), you’d have to ask Bellyache but I know he gets up for the Broncos games,” Seibold said.
“He’ll have them ready to go.
“I love Bellyache as a person, a coach and I’ve got so much respect for that organisation. They’ll be ready to play at their best.”
The visit of the Storm looms as a major test of Brisbane’s finals credentials.
The Broncos’ 34-12 hammering of ailing Gold Coast on Saturday lifted Seibold’s team into the top eight, having been a lowly 14th after a three-game losing run in June.
The Storm will be determined to bounce back after their agonising golden-point loss to Manly but Seibold didn’t feel the clash would be season-defining for his team.
“At the moment they’re the best team in the competition,” Seibold said.
“They’ve been in the last three grand finals. They’ve got probably the best player that’s ever played the game. They’ve got, in my opinion, the best coach that’s coached our game.
“It’s going to be a really big test but whatever happens our season’s not defined by what happens next Friday night.”
The Broncos are hopeful Alex Glenn’s groin strain won’t prevent him facing the Storm while young halfback Tom Dearden is also expected to have recovered from the ankle injury which has kept him sidelined since early June.
Queensland representative forward Matt Gillett (groin) may also return while Tom Flegler will be available after missing the Titans clash due to suspension.
Seibold however said he’ll be wary of rushing Dearden in against Melbourne with Jake Turpin likely to stay in the No.7 jersey for another week.
“I’m not decided on that, Turps has done a fantastic job there – we’ve won three and drawn one of our last four games … I just want to have a think about that.”
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"one loss to Redcliffe this year" Go the Dolphins! Speaking of the QLD Intrust Super Cup, Souths have signed Edene Gebbie from Wynumm-Manly who can cover FB and the wing and former Junior Kiwis rep Steven Marsters from the Dragons. The Rabbitohs lower grades are also firing. The Rabbitohs are coming 1ST in NSW Canterbury Cup and are 4th in NSWRL U20's Jersey Flegg Cup. Add the Rabbitohs 2nd position on the NRL and the future is looking very bright for the Bunnies.
Ken
Guest
Bit of Storm supporter arrogance but our top 13 players on the field , if you look at the 17 players just behind them wether bench players or feeder club players , there is not a huge difference in quality , eg Scott Drinkwater unable to crack the storm behind Jahrome an papenhyzen but starring for the cowboys , one of the few years we have huge depth but the bad part of that is if Nrl clubs were smart they would be raiding the Storm feeder clubs ,Tino 6”6 109 kgs and 19 has played 2 nrl games an is being targeted already by other clubs for 1.5 million is a joke I honestly believe if the Storm fielded their Sunshine’s Coast falcons feeder team they would beat half the clubs in the nrl and I don’t think I’m being arrogant or one eyed , that’s a team that has fielded Stimson , papenhyzen, tuikamicamica , harry Grant , Tino , Brandon smith , Sandor earl , Olam , cooper johns all players at the falcons play Storm patterns which makes moving up a easier prospect , theyeve had one loss to Redcliffe this year when they had players coming up to first grade but have beat most teams by 30-50 points
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
That game was an EPIC clash that lasted for just under 90 mins. It will be hard for both teams, especially Manly, to back that up next week. Given that their opponents have plenty to play for, Broncos (8th), Knights 9th), and the Knights will be looking to make up for last week's controversial loss, I think the Sea Eagles will be vulnerable but the Storm should get home in another close game. Hopefully, the Storm will have nothing left the tank for when they travel to play Souths the following week.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
They'll be more than "up" for the Broncos. When the Storm loses and the coach tees-off with one of his trademark all-time sprays, you can expect the Storm to be fast, tough and clinical the following week. Storm 13+ is almost a safe bet, they'll crush the Broncos.