The Brisbane Broncos are wary of a Warriors ambush on Friday night as New Zealand look to avenge a disappointing Round 1 defeat to the Wests Tigers.
The Warriors were highly fancied going into the first round but an ordinary first half where they conceded 28 points cost them any real chance of winning despite a spirited fight back.
Brisbane forward Sam Thaiday says the Warriors formidable forward pack will hold the key to New Zealand turning it around and upsetting the competition favourites.
Thaiday singled out experienced campaigners Simon Mannering and Ryan Hoffman as the key targets for Brisbane to shutdown.
"Shutting down their forwards is always going to be hard. Mannering should have had a double last weekend, he is in the form of his life," Thaiday said.
"The two edge back-rowers are fantastic and then they've got these big forwards that are skilful and can offload to the likes of [Shaun] Johnson, [Tui] Lolohea and Isaac Luke. It makes them quite a razzle dazzle footy team.
"We don't know what they'll bring. We're unsure of what to expect from this Warriors team but the talent is there."
A bumper crowd is expected for the Friday night blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium as Brisbane play their first home game for 2016.
A strong Warriors supporter base in the sunshine state means that many of the 35,000+ crowd will be cheering for a Warriors boilover and a first New Zealand win in Brisbane since 2013.
Thaiday says playing at Suncorp produces the best in opposition teams.
"They've got a fair following here and I'm sure that after last week's effort they would have gone back to New Zealand with their tail between their legs and copped that loss on the chin. They will be training hard this week to make amends," he said.
"We always expect the best of any team that comes to Suncorp Stadium to play the Broncos because it is a fantastic facility and teams lift in front of the great crowds we get.
"Hopefully they don't bring their A game to Brisbane. I'd like to see them do well in the weeks after us."
