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Broncos launch into field goal practice

Brisbane have launched into field goal practice ahead of Thursday night's NRL clash in Melbourne in the wake of last round's extra-time loss to the Cowboys.

Josh McGuire (right) passes the ball
Brisbane have played down injury concerns ahead of their NRL clash in Melbourne. (AAP)

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Source: AAP


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Better late than never?

Or too little, too late?

Brisbane have launched into field goal practice at training ahead of what they expect to be another NRL thriller in Melbourne on Thursday night.

Broncos playmakers Anthony Milford and Ben Hunt were taught a lesson in clutch plays when Johnathan Thurston kicked an extra-time field goal in North Queensland's 21-20 last round win.

Milford's two late field goal efforts were unsuccessful while Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett surprisingly admitted Hunt was "not comfortable" attempting them in extra-time.

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Remarkably halfback Hunt has not kicked a field goal in his 168-game NRL career.

However, the pair won't die wondering against an unbeaten Storm judging by their efforts at Monday training.

Milford and Hunt potted one field goal attempt after another while everyone from lock Josh McGuire to skipper Darius Boyd also had a crack.

"Bit late for that boys," Broncos forward Sam Thaiday joked from the sidelines.

Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough hoped the field goal practice wouldn't be needed against Melbourne.

"Hypothetically I guess it is too late (to practice field goals) after Friday night," McCullough said.

"But it was a tight game. You win some of them, you lose others.

"Hopefully we are good enough in the 80 minutes to close that out (against Melbourne) and won't need it (field goal)."

A plethora of field goal attempts was not the only fallout from the extra-time loss.

McGuire, winger Jordan Kahu (thigh), utility forward Tevita Pangai Jnr (hamstring) and Test backrower Matt Gillett (concussion) were restricted to light duties at training on Monday.

But McGuire believed everyone would take their place against a Melbourne side expected to welcome back Billy Slater from injury.

"I am pretty sure they will be fine. It is just precautionary with a short turnaround," McGuire said of players training away from the main group.

"And I will be fine. Just a bit tight after that game."


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