Eels v Broncos: Guest coaches Kimmorley and Renouf go head to head

Plan of attack

Kimmorley

We want to play nice and fast. We're at our best when we play with a lot of energy and play an up-tempo game. The key to that is the forwards laying a platform and we want Mitch Moses kicking to the corners or running the ball on the back of that. We go through lulls at times and if we can keep our energy and momentum going, that'll make us play for the full 80 minutes, which is what we need to do in semi-finals.

Renouf

We've got a young forward pack and they've been so dominant at times but they're going to be in and out, in and out, so we really need to start well. We want Payne Haas, David Fifita and Matt Lodge to dominate early and lay that platform because they can easily fall out of a game. Starting at 100 per cent in the middle and being able to get on top early will be a big benefit to our young pack.

Plan in defence

Kimmorley

The Broncos probably have the best crop of kids in the game. They're powerful with Haas and Lodge, and Fifita has that great footwork, so the key to stopping the Broncos is to stop their forward pack, which means doing a great job in the middle of the park. The Broncos don't offer too much second phase and don't ask too many questions of your defensive shape, so it's all about making the tackle.

Renouf

We simply can't let them go through us. We've been found out in a lot of areas and we can't let the opposition go through us because that's where we've been a bit vulnerable. If we can stop that penetration through the middle we'll limit the effectiveness of Moses and Clint Gutherson.

My key player

Kimmorley

I'm going with Blake Ferguson. He's been back for two weeks and he's so important for us in the way he starts the set off and the energy he creates. If our two wingers run for over 200 metres and score two or three tries between them, that's a fantastic day out for a position that has become so important.

Renouf

Fifita has been on fire for us and we need him to continue that and show he's ready for the pressure of finals footy. He's such a machine if we can give him that space and we all know what he can do if given the opportunities.

Opposition's danger man

Kimmorley

Anthony Milford is a massive key for the Broncos. If he's able to sniff around the back of some those forwards off quick play-the-balls or line breaks, he's a real threat. He's at his best when he plays unstructured rugby league and that can probably only come off the back of the momentum the big humans create.

Renouf

When Moses is playing well Parramatta are usually going well, especially on his home ground. It's no secret that we have to shut him down to give ourselves the best chance of winning.

We will win  if we ...

Kimmorley

It's vital that we play with energy for the full 80 minutes. We're at Bankwest where we've had good success and we'll have a home crowd buzzing. We'll have a great atmosphere and let's use that to our advantage, but we can only do that if we maintain energy and cut out our lapses.

Renouf

We pride ourselves on defence and if we defend well everything will come natural to the boys. We have to get that right and keep it tight and don't let them get through us, because that's where we seem to fall down.

Final message

Kimmorley

We finished last in 2018 and we have to ride with the good times when they arrive, so while we're in the fight let's give it our best shot and make the most of this opportunity to reward ourselves and our fans.

Renouf

We need to get out there and win the one-percenters in all the effort areas. If you see a loose ball dive on it and get in and help your mate. Be prepared to get in the grind for 80 minutes if that's what it takes.