Aug 28th, 2017

Aug 28th, 2017

It was not quite the blowout they had to have.

But Matt Gillett says last round's thrashing from Parramatta has been a timely reality check ahead of Brisbane's crunch NRL clash with North Queensland on Thursday night.

Wayne Bennett cracked the whip at training on Monday, calling in ex-Broncos hardman Peter Ryan to stiffen up their leaky defence in response to last round's 52-34 home loss to the Eels.

The former Broncos and Brumbies defensive guru took over Monday's brutal session after Brisbane conceded 50 points at Suncorp Stadium for only the second time in their history.

But a much more damning stat was no doubt motivating Bennett on Monday - no team has conceded 50 points in a game and gone on to win the premiership that year.

Backrower Gillett said Brisbane were embarrassed by the scoreline but believed lessons learned from the rout - and Ryan - would ensure it didn't happen again.

"I am not sure if it was the blowout we had to have but it was a good reality check for us before the finals," he said.

"If you are a bit weak in your preparation that is what can happen to you.

"I am glad it has happened now. We just have to move forward."

Gillett hoped Ryan's visit had added some starch to the Broncos defence ahead of their crucial showdown in Townsville on Thursday night.

Brisbane are hoping to seal a top four finish and home final with a win while the Cowboys are desperate for a victory to keep their finals hopes flickering.

"He was an enforcer, won premierships for the club," Gillett said of Ryan.

"What happened last Thursday night was pretty embarrassing for the football team so it was good he could pass on his knowledge to the players."

Sam Thaiday is emerging as Brisbane's Mr Fixit after being tipped to fill the huge front row void created by Korbin Sims' season-ending arm fracture.

Thaiday has been starting at hooker since Andrew McCullough's season-ending knee injury.

He is expected to slot in at prop with bench back-up No.9 Ben Hunt starting as rake against the Cowboys.

Joe Ofahengaue is another starting prop option after completing a three week ban.

Winger David Mead left training early on Monday with a suspected knee complaint but Jordan Kahu is expected to take his place against the Cowboys after returning to training from a groin complaint.

©AAP2017