The Broncos have now lost 13 matches in a row dating back to round nine last year and Kevin Walters already looks to be feeling the strain.
But Trent Barrett isn't all smiles either since his side is also win-less after two rounds. At least that means someone is going to find some joy this weekend.
The Bulldogs and Broncos shared the spoils in their two most recent meetings (26-18 to the Broncos in July 2020, and 30-14 to the Bulldogs in September 2019) so picking a winner this time around isn't easy.
Perhaps the greater experience of forwards like Adam Elliott, Josh Jackson and Dylan Napa coming off the bench could swing things the Bulldogs' way. They have the ability to keep the Dogs in the grind, whereas the Broncos are slipping in that department.
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The rundown
Team news
Broncos: Brodie Croft has retained the No.7 jersey but young halfback Tom Dearden has been recalled to the squad to be the bench utility with John Asiata rested due to a neck concern.
Coach Kevin Walters has backed his players to turn things around despite the fact Brisbane's record-breaking losing streak now stands at 13.
Forward leader Payne Haas will return from suspension next round while prop Matthew Lodge (hamstring) is at least a week or two away.
After Richie Kennar and Cory Paix were the two players left out 24 hours before the match, Asiata and Corey Oates were omitted an hour before kick-off..
The Broncos have won their past five games against the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.
Bulldogs: There has been one change announced an hour before kick-off, with Dylan Napa moving into the starting side and Ofahiki Ogden now back on the bench.
Dean Britt and Lachlan Lewis were the two players left out an hour before kick-off.
Back-rower Raymond Faitala-Mariner (broken foot) has been lost for up to 20 weeks with Corey Waddell moving from the interchange into the starting line-up and Joe Stimson from the reserves last week to the bench.
Winger Tuipulotu Katoa will play his second NRL game as the replacement for suspended Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Hooker Sione Katoa has changed places with Jeremy Marshall-King, who made his comeback from injury last week via the bench.
Centre Nick Cotric has scored five tries in his past four games against the Broncos.
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Key match-up
Jamayne Isaako v Corey Allan: The Bulldogs custodian was Queensland fullback in Game III last year, but is unlikely to find many friends at Suncorp Stadium despite being a Logan Brothers junior and coming through the Broncos ranks before moving to Sydney.
His match-up with opposite No.1 Isaako will bring a contrast in fullback styles - Allan is a more up-the-middle kind of player, while Isaako flirts with the edges.
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Stat attack
Much is made of the Broncos' 13 straight losses, but the Bulldogs have won only one game in their past 11 - round 19 last year over South Sydney. Previous to that, however, you have to go back to July 26 in 2020 against the Knights for a win.
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