NRL Round 14 Preview and Prediction - Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs@ Suncorp Stadium

Brisbane Broncos v South Sydney Rabbitohs @ Suncorp Stadium
 
Preview - The Broncos will be looking to bounce back from back-to-back losses when they host the reeling Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. After 6 consecutive victories had sling shotted them into the Top 4, the Broncos have now lost both to the Warriors on the road and, in a thriller last week, as there late comeback fell short in an 18-16 loss to the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. The Broncos are still well poised sitting 5th, but know they need to start accumulating wins now to make the Top 4, given how crucial it was last season in their exit. The Rabbitohs would have had plenty to ponder during their bye last week after a lacklustre 22-16 loss to the Eels saw them slump to 14th on the ladder and staring right in the face of another season outside the finals.  
 
History - Earlier this season the Broncos really scraped over the line for a 25-24victory over the Bunnies at ANZ Stadium, despite trailing late in the contest. The Broncos have been dominant over the Rabbitohs of late having won their last 4 encounters, and have been equally dominant overall with 25 victories, 1 draw and just the 9 losses against the Rabbitohs. 
 
Brisbane Broncos’ Scouting Report -  Ben Hunt has been dropped in a stunning move by Wayne Bennett in favour if Benji Marshall. Kodi Nikorima gets the start back at halfback having impressed earlier in the season leading the side to 5 straight victories.  
 
South Sydney Rabbitohs’ Scouting Report - The Rabbitohs welcome back veteran centre Bryson Goodwin from a knee injury, with Tyrell Fuimaono dropping back to the bench. Both Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds had extremely disappointing games against the Eels and, as senior players, will be expected to be far better this week for a team whose season is bordering on collapse. 
 
Verdict - Broncos by 1-8

Souths usually lift for games at Suncorp, soI think they can keep it close here.  With Milford and Marshall partneringin the halves it will be interesting to see whether Wayne Bennett's decision to drop ben Hunt backfires. . The Rabbitohs, to me, look like a stale side running out of ideas in how to turn their season around. Their forward pack is struggling outside of Sam Burgess, and Adam Reynolds was extremely passive against Parramatta in their last game so I expect him to life. I think the Broncos can win this game however I expect it to be closer then many people are predicting.