Broncos' Kenny back as props drop
Timing can be everything and prop Nick Kenny's return from a frustrating calf injury for the match against Penrith on Friday night could not be better for Brisbane coach Ivan Henjak.
Henjak was forced to rule out prop Scott Anderson (ribs) and forward Lagi Setu (concussion) for the clash with the Panthers, the first game of the NRL's double bill at Suncorp Stadium.
The Titans play the Bulldogs in the second game of the double header.
Kenny has had two failed comebacks since tearing his calf in round four.
He was set to play against Souths last weekend until a late decision to take an extra week off.
"Scotty Anderson had his ribs rattled up a bit last weekend and he's still a bit sore after the five day turnaround while Lagi had a bad concussion and we didn't want to risk him," explained Henjak.
"Nick Kenny comes into the team and we'll also get our three Origin guys back which hopefully will rub off onto the players."
After a worrying start to the season when they were on the receiving end of some bad losses, Brisbane have negotiated the State of Origin series without losing a game.
They've now won their last five games to push their way into the top eight and another victory over the unpredictable Panthers would be a valuable two premiership points with one Origin game to play.
"Since the rep season started we haven't dropped a game. We'd like to get through another three weeks, and stay relatively injury-free which would be nice as well," said Henjak.
Despite Brisbane's string of wins which started with a 36-14 away victory over Melbourne, Henjak believes the Panthers loom as one of their toughest tests.
"With every win you have you're getting closer to your first loss," he said.
Penrith have won three of their last four games and have Brisbane's respect.
Apart from a heavy loss to South Sydney they've racked up good scores in beating Cronulla, the Bulldogs and Newcastle.
"They're a really unpredictable footy side and they've scored more than half their tries this year from kicks," said Henjak.
"You have to compete really hard and they're more disciplined and confident and they've had two weeks to prepare for this game.
"If it's not the toughest we've had in the last few weeks, it will be close."
He signalled out centre Michael Jennings, overlooked for Origin and utility Luke Lewis who missed playing for NSW after being suspended.
"Both those players are very dangerous and both have a bit of a point to prove," he said.
"Lachlan Coote's been in outstanding form as well and he's another player we have to watch along with Luke Walsh who is leading the try assists this year.
"There's a lot of guys we have to be aware of, we know they a very good football side."
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