NRL: 'Ruthless' fans await Broncos

Broncos Justin Hodges. Photo / Wayne Drought

A "ruthless" crowd awaits Brisbane at their NRL elimination final with North Queensland in Townsville tonight - and Broncos strike weapon Ben Barba can't wait.

In 2004, Brisbane could depend upon at least 50-50 crowd support when the Cowboys hosted their first final against the Broncos.

Fast forward 10 years and Brisbane co-captain Justin Hodges admits the NRL-mad Townsville public have turned on the state's former league darlings.

"They are pretty ruthless," Hodges said when asked what to anticipate from an expected sold-out, 25,000-strong Cowboys home crowd. "So it is important we get on top of them early."

Hodges seemed daunted by what was on the horizon in Townsville. But Broncos playmaker Barba couldn't wipe the smile off of his face.

While focused on the Cowboys threat, Mackay-bred Barba admitted the Townsville trip offered a rare chance to catch up with family. "I definitely enjoy going back up there."

The Broncos are no strangers to being written off in finals since claiming the last of their six titles in 2006.

• Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has conceded the NRL reigning premiers' forward depth will be tested heading into tonight's qualifying final against a dangerous Penrith.

The minor premiers have lost forwards Dylan Napa and Aidan Guerra to suspension, while Jake Friend and Frank-Paul Nuuausula are recovering from injury.

Asked if his forward stocks were as depleted as they have been at any stage of their title defence, Robinson said, "It will be close.

"We've still got all guys who have played NRL, but missing Aidan and Napa and Frank-Paul coming back from injury, it's a bit skinny.

"There's some depth tested there. But ... most teams have gone through it. We've been lucky, for quite a long time we've had most of our players available, and now we have to see how we go tomorrow."

The Roosters closed the regular season with six straight wins to secure top spot and now face fourth-placed Penrith at home at Allianz Stadium, where they beat them 32-12 in their only meeting this season.

- AAP