Wayne Bennett might've taken the first round but Anthony Seibold is every chance of winning the fight when the two coaches collide with their former clubs for the first time on Thursday night.
That's the opinion of Billy Moore, who can see Brisbane (2-5) upsetting Bennett's Rabbitohs (6-1) in a grudge match that's had tongues wagging since the NRL coaches sensationally swapped clubs last December.
The Broncos comfortably beat an injury-hit Cronulla on Saturday to somewhat ease the pressure after the club's worst start in 20 years.
But Seibold was left bristling at questions post-game that centred around his relationship with the players at his former club, eventually cutting the press conference short.
In the same situation after his side's tight defeat of Penrith, Bennett was a little more playful, suggesting he'd have to check his diary to see who his side faced next.
Former Queensland enforcer Moore said the coaches' theatrics showed the game held plenty of significance.
"It's still quite raw for Seibold, you can deduce that from how he's reacted," Moore said.
"Wayne's always been the master - you never know what he's thinking - but Seibold's shown a chink in the armour and they'll (questions) keep coming now.
"But putting all that aside, park it all, we draw the form lines after Thursday."
Moore credited Bennett's influence for helping them home in a series of "ugly" wins, while Brisbane were yet to do the same under Seibold.
"(Brisbane's defeat of Cronulla) was a sure kill, but now they get the Rabbitohs, who I don't think are playing as well as 6-1," he said.
"They (Souths) are due a loss ... it's going to be a ripping battle in the forwards and I think after this we will really get a read on form (of both sides)."
