Brisbane are under pressure to get the "monkey off the back" and claim their first win against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium, North Queensland coach Paul Green says.
The Broncos are at the wrong end of the NRL ladder after a horror 34-12 first-round loss to St George Illawarra.
In contrast the Cowboys are buzzing after toasting co-captain Johnathan Thurston's 300th NRL game and club record 271st with a season-opening home victory over Cronulla.
Green said the Broncos would be anxious to reverse their fortunes after a "sluggish" start to 2018.
"Anyone who doesn't win in round one, straight away there is a bit of pressure on the team," Green said.
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"The first win is the monkey off the back.
"They will probably feel that until they get their first win.
"We have had some memorable clashes in recent years and a big crowd will add some atmosphere.
"Hopefully it brings the best out of both teams."
Green believes he knows just what to expect from Brisbane after hearing coach Wayne Bennett had blasted his players at training in front of media this week.
"Traditionally they are a team who respond pretty well," Green said.
"And by all reports they had a pretty tough session on Monday and Wayne got stuck into them.
"We expect them fired up on Friday night."
The derby will mark Cowboys winger Antonio Winterstein's 200th NRL game.
