Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin has put a red line through Justin Hodges' daring bid to play in Darren Lockyer's NRL farewell game against Manly at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday week.

And the rookie coach has also ruled out resting star players from the club's final round clash with the Sea Eagles should a second-place finish be put out of their reach this weekend.

Manly can secure second place by ending Melbourne's winning streak at 12 on a massive weekend of key top eight clashes.

But should Brisbane account for in-form South Sydney on Sunday and Melbourne continue their run against the Sea Eagles, it sets up a final-round blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium on September 4 with second place up for grabs.

Scans on Wednesday detected a tiny tear in Hodges's hamstring suggesting the Queensland and Australian centre was an outside chance of sharing in Lockyer's big afternoon of celebration.

But Griffin, who has stuck to his guns with a number of selection gambles this season, has already told Hodges his next game will be in the finals.

"Locky's big day is an occasion but there's bigger games still to play," Griffin told AAP on Thursday.

"Hodgo won't be playing until the finals, he knows that.

"He's got a very small grade one tear and we won't be pushing his recovery given this is his third episode this season."

Asked about resting players against Manly if Brisbane could not finish in second spot, Griffin said: "We won't be playing any games like that.

"We've got everyone fit, except for Hodgo, and our focus is fixed on Sunday's game against Souths.

Souths' giant left side duo of Greg Inglis - who stunned Brisbane fans by walking out on a deal before the season started - and former Bronco forward Dave Taylor can expect a hot reception from a crowd tipped to push 45,000.

Griffin said the toughest thing about the Rabbitohs was that players like Inglis, Chris Sandow, Issac Luke, Nathan Merritt and the wide-running Taylor did not attack in the conventional way.

"They come at you from all different angles and ways which makes them different from other NRL sides," said Griffin.

Veteran forward Corey Parker said Souths, who have won their last four games and sit outside the top eight by virtue of points differential, will pose a huge threat to the Broncos.

"They're flying along and they've shown over the last month they've got a good game going and plenty of confidence," he said.

"Around this time of year defence is what wins you games and grand finals.

"We're certainly going to have to have ours spot on because Souths can pile a lot of points on you quickly as we've all seen.

"They've got players all over the park who can sting you but we all know it starts in the middle and we're looking forward to the challenge."

The Rabbitohs have pulled off some stunning victories already this season including one over the Broncos in Perth back in June and have established themselves as the best second half, come-from-behind outfit in the competition.

"They play footy for the full 80 minutes and they chased 20 (points) down against St George Illawarra which shows you how dangerous they are," Parker said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP