Melbourne centre Will Chambers says the talent in the Brisbane side means they don't deserve underdog status heading into their NRL preliminary final.
The Storm host the Broncos at AAMI Park on Friday night with the battered visitors given little chance of upsetting the full-strength minor premiers.
Winger Corey Oates and forwards Sam Thaiday and Jai Arrow are in doubt after suffering head knocks in their bruising win over Penrith.
But Chambers said it was "crazy" to call the talent-laden Broncos underdogs.
He said veteran coach Wayne Bennett would have his side primed for the game, while skipper Darius Boyd will return from an ankle injury.
"People have started calling them the underdogs - that's crazy," Chambers said.
"They're a top four side and they've played finals footy the last couple of years as well so it will be even par with us.
"Wayne Bennett will have them jumping out of their skins."
Chambers said the Storm's defence would have to be on from the opening whistle given Brisbane's range of attacking threats.
"There's individuals who are pretty special like Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Adam Blair and Sammy Thaiday have been playing good footy and the list goes on.
"If we don't defend well they're a team who can put a lot of points on you very fast."
The Storm boast a strong record against the Broncos though, winning 28 from 42 which is the Queensland club's highest losing percentage against any opponent. In their round three clash at AAMI Park this season, Melbourne edged Brisbane by two points.
While Brisbane have their injury concerns the Storm are fighting fit following their week off.
At the same time last year they had lost superstar fullback Billy Slater and bullocking prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona to injury.
"We've had a good freshen up and we've got a full list to pick from which is good to have at this time of year," Chambers said.
"That's the biggest difference from last year."
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