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Brisbane coach Kevin Walters believes Wests Tigers are playing better than the NRL ladder suggests and will treat the lowly opponent with respect on Saturday.
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters has put his team on alert to treat lowly Wests Tigers with respect in Saturday's NRL clash at Suncorp Stadium.
The Broncos' top-four charge appears to be on track having beaten Parramatta on the road last weekend and with all their remaining matches against teams below them on the ladder.
A home game against the last-placed Tigers would appear to be a lock for two points, but Walters expects the visitors to be fired up after last weekend's controversial loss to North Queensland.
In James Tamou's 300th game, the Tigers pushed the high-flying Cowboys all the way before Valentine Holmes' after-the-siren conversion of a hotly debated penalty denied them a much-needed win.
"What the Tigers have thrown up in the last month or so they've been very good," Walters said.
"One of our values is respect and we need to respect, certainly our opposition, and also ourselves.
"They've been in good touch.
"They had some some dramas this week as well so they will be ready to go."
Adam Reynolds will be good to play for the Broncos despite missing the early part of the week with illness but Queensland State of Origin winger Selwyn Cobbo (concussion) remains on the sidelines.
Speedy Deine Mariner has been named to make his NRL debut at centre, giving Brenko Lee a rest while Delouis Hoeter replaces Jordan Periera (illness) on the wing.
The Tigers have suffered a major setback with halfback Luke Brooks sidelined with a calf injury.
Jackson Hastings will stay at lock however with Jock Madden to take Brooks' spot in the No.7 jersey.
Interim coach Brett Kimmorley will also travel to Queensland after missing last weekend's game against the Cowboys after testing positive to COVID-19.