Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has challenged his pack to stand up to St George Illawarra back-rower Tariq Sims in Thursday night's NRL clash.
Rampaging NSW forward Sims tore the Broncos apart last time they met in the 2018 elimination final, inspiring a 48-18 trashing at Suncorp Stadium with a quick-fire hat-trickof tries.
Seibold said he had made changes to ensure their edge defence was more aggressive since taking over the reins from Wayne Bennett.
But he said it was up to the Broncos forwards to lead the way and ensure history doesn't repeat.
"Tariq is a real weapon for them on our right edge. He was outstanding in that semi-final performance no doubt," Seibold said.
"We have made some changes to how we defend. We would like to think we are a lot more aggressive on the edges now. But it's one thing looking at the video and making changes and then going out under the bright lights of Suncorp Stadium and doing it.
"We can't just dip the toe in. We have to dive all the way in and that starts with our forward pack - they have a big job handling Tariq."
Brisbane are buzzing from a Tevita Pangai-inspired 29-10 win over North Queensland. But Seibold was wary of the Saints who are desperate for a result after starting the season with two losses.
"It's a big challenge against the Dragons. They have had a successful time coming up to Brisbane in the past," he said.
"We have a six day turnaround so we have not had time to dwell on the Cowboys performance. We know what weapons the Dragons are going to bring."
Seibold expected the Dragons' much criticised new spine of Ben Hunt and Corey Norman in the halves and fullback Gareth Widdop to click - and again put the onus on his forwards to make sure it didn't happen.
"They are the key ball players and we need to put them under pressure but unless we win the middle of the park they are going to have time and space; we need to win the middle third of the field," he said. Meanwhile, coach Paul McGregor said he has no plans to change the new-look spine after two consecutive losses.
"We will make it work," he said.
AAP
