MATT JOHNS' MATCH OF THE ROUND
BRONCOS v WESTS TIGERS
History Beckons
This is the most important match in the Wests Tigers' short history. There's plenty of congestion around eighth spot, but I'm prepared to say that if the Tigers win this, they're in the finals - they deserve to be.
Tim Sheens and his men have done a magnificent job this year. They have done what many people predicted - after a good end to 2003 they jumped to the next level.
It hasn't been all clear sailing through. They've had to overcome a horror mid-season where they leaked points and find a way to rebuild confidence and composure.
In doing this, they have emerged from their little slump a much better football team.
There are several reasons why they've come on this year. I feel that the players have finally adapted to and felt comfortable with the style of play Sheens has developed for them - and of course, there's the enormous success of all their new signings.
Each of the new faces have achieved what they were brought for. Brett Hodgson provides variation, strike on kick returns and a second reciever option; Pat Richards, Jason Moodie and Shane Elford have provided spped and reliable finishng; Todd Payten has provided punch and a bit of finesse up front; Scott Prince has provided class and direction; while Scott Sattler has brought belief, a winning feel and experience.
BRONCOS
The Tigers may have a lot to play for but it certainly doesn't guarantee success, particularly when coming up against the battle-hardened Broncos. While they went down by quite a margin last Sunday, Brisbane played some great football, and it was only some miraculous defence by the Bulldogs which kept the Broncos out.
Don't be fooled by the scoreline. There were many good signs for the Broncos - Karmichael Hunt's performance on his biggest stage yet, Shaun Berrigan's constant improvement after an injury lay-off, and Neville Costigan's contribution.
There are a couple of big injury concerns though. Shane Webcke's calf will be giving coach Wayne Bennett a lot of grief, along with Lockyer's ribs.
If those big guns don't come up, the Tigers' stocks will certainly rise. With Brisbane looking like they've locked into third place, the club may look to rest both.
Even though they went down, I think the Broncos confirmed themselves as real premiership contenders last week.
SCOTT PRINCE
He'll be the key. If the Broncos have a weakness in defence, it's their ability to read the bodies in motion plays in their face, and Prince has put these types of plays on all season with great success.
Sheens will be encouraging Prince to go to the line with angled runners and hole-hitters all game. If his forwards can provide the space through ruck dominance, this will be the Tigers' most lethal weapon.
Watch for Prince and Hodgson working in tandem. The ability of the big Broncos pack to handle this threat will be the determining factor in this contest.
FANCY A PUNT
First Tryscorer - for the Tigers, go for Brett Hodgson, while for the Broncos, Neville Costigan would be worth a look at good odds.
