Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has boldly guaranteed halves Kodi Nikorima and Anthony Milford their starting spots for the year after a rival's sensational claim they are liable to crack under pressure.
St George Illawarra centre Euan Aitken didn't mince his words ahead of Thursday night's NRL clash, stating that the Broncos playmakers were susceptible to wilting if the Dragons got off to a fast start.
"When they are put under pressure, especially their halves, they can sometimes crack," Aitken said.
Seibold bit his tongue despite the Dragons suffering a winless start to their season and Aitken's right edge defence being exposed in the absence of NSW forwards Tyson Frizell (injury) and Jack de Belin (suspension).
Aitken still took aim at the Broncos halves despite last round being outplayed by opposite number Braidon Burns of the Rabbitohs, who made 166m and four tackle breaks.
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Instead Seibold backed his halves, saying only injury or suspension would deny them a start this year.
"I didn't see that interview (with Aitken) and I'm not sure of the context but I have alluded a few times to how I trust and value what Kodi and Milf can bring to the group," Seibold said.
"I have a lot of confidence in those two guys and I won't be making any change there unless I have to through injury or suspension.
"They have got the No.7 and No.6 jerseys and I have no doubt they will improve as we progress through the season."
However, Seibold was quick to remind reporters that Brisbane were hardly a two-man show.
Halfback Nikorima and pivot Milford were unstoppable setting up Brisbane's 29-10 romp over North Queensland last week.
But it only came after forward Tevita Pangai terrorised the Cowboys pack.
Seibold said Nikorima and Milford would shine again against the Dragons if the Broncos pack backed up their stunning effort against the Cowboys.
"I do know that unless your forwards are dominant your halves don't have a lot of time," he said.
"We saw last week how it is really tough for (Cowboys) halves under pressure and playing out of their end."
For the record Dragons coach Paul McGregor did not see the Brisbane halves as a weakness under Seibold, who has adopted a more attacking gameplan since taking over the reins this year from Wayne Bennett.
"There is no doubt in their ability or game management," he said.
"Anthony Seibold's gameplan is a different way (to how) they have played in the past, they play with a lot more width in their football.
"Time will tell if that is affective but right now there is no questioning either of those footballers."
