Coach Anthony Seibold has dismissed "ridiculous" talk that an improved Brisbane can announce themselves as finals contenders by upsetting NRL ladder leaders Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
The Broncos have won two of their last three games and have an extra spring in their step before facing the defending champions thanks to the arrival of livewire PNG international James Segeyaro this week.
But Seibold said the 11th-placed Broncos weren't getting ahead of themselves against a Roosters outfit on an eight-game winning streak, which includes a round four 36-4 thrashing of Brisbane.
Asked if the Roosters clash was a chance for Brisbane to declare themselves as finals contenders, Seibold said: "That's the last thing on my mind ... making any ridiculous statements about that.
"We have shown a lot of improvement ... (but) the Roosters did towel us up in round four.
"They (Roosters) are a red hot side. They have got a number of players in their team at the peak of their powers and are current rep players.
"Let's put things in perspective. We are looking to improve and believe we can get the job done tomorrow night but it will be a hell of a task."
Seibold did admit Brisbane were a step closer to regaining their mojo with Segeyaro now on board.
Segeyaro - a veteran of 141 NRL games - only arrived at Red Hill on Monday as a mid-season recruit from Cronulla.
But he will make his Broncos debut on Friday night after Seibold confirmed the hooker would start on the bench as back-up to No.9 Jake Turpin.
Turpin will appear in just his second NRL match of 2019 filling in for injured incumbent Queensland rake Andrew McCullough (knee).
"He has come in this week and brought a lot of energy. He's a great character," Seibold said.
"And I just think it is unfair to expect Jake Turpin to play 80 minutes again this week.
"Jake was outstanding last week (in win against Manly) but we got James here for a reason so we will put him on the bench."
In another boost, back-rower Alex Glenn is a confirmed starter after overcoming illness.
For the Roosters, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Cooper Cronk will captain the Roosters with Boyd Cordner (concussion) sidelined while Mitchell Aubusson or Ryan Hall are in contention to replace winger Daniel Tupou (neck).
STATS THAT MATTER
* The Roosters have not won at Suncorp Stadium since 2014 with the Broncos claiming the last five clashes at the venue
* The Roosters will be aiming for nine wins or more from their opening 10 games for the first time since claiming 10 straight in 1996
* The Roosters are the NRL's best attacking side with the most points (28.1 per game), tries (4.8pg), run metres (1510pg) and post contact metres (508pg)
